A  TEACHING  MINISTRY  THE  CONSERVATORS  OF  THE  SOCIAL  WELFARE. 


SERMO 


DELIVERED   AT  SEARSPORT,   JUNE   23,  1852, 


BEFORE   THE 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY, 


FORTY-FIFTH    ANNIVERSARY. 


BY  EDWARD  S.  DWIGHT, 
Pastor  of  the  First  Congregational  Church  in  Saco. 

"B*7Rk 
ZAH 

&tt£ttftta: 

WILLIAM  T.   JOHNSON PRINTER. 


A  TEACHING  MINISTRY  THE  CONSERVATORS  OF  THE  SOCIAL  WELFARE. 


SERMON 


DELIVERED  AT  SEARSPORT,  JUNE  23,  1852, 


BEFORE  THE 

of 

MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY, 


FORTY-FIFTH    ANNIVERSARY 


BY  EDWARD  S.   DWIGHT, 
Pastor  of  the  First  Congregational  Church  in  Saco. 


AUGUSTA: 

WILLIAM  T.   JOHNSON PRINTER, 

1852. 


SERMON. 


2  CHE  ON.   XV:   3. 

"Now  for  a  long  season  Israel  hath  been  without  the  true  God,  and  wirhout  a 
teaching  priest,  and  without  law." 

This  assertion — part  of  an  address  made  to  Asa,  king  of 
Judah,  by  a  prophet  Azariah,  of  whom  the  Scriptures  make  no 
other  mention— conveys  its  own  clear  explanation.  The  deca- 
dence of  true  religion  and  the  popular  lawlessness  are  suffi- 
ciently accounted  for  by  the  fact,  that  there  was  in  Israel  no 
"  teaching  priest." 

And  here  is  indicated  a  most  remarkable  deficiency  in  the 
religious  institutions  of  the  Hebrews — a  deficiency  so  obvious, 
that  it  can  hardly  be  viewed  otherwise  than  as  either  unavoid- 
able or  intentional ;  and  which  was  necessarily  fatal  to  then- 
permanence.  Without  inquiring  into  the  reason,  we  may 
simply  note  the  fact.  The  great  Legislator,  who  communi- 
cated  the  will  of  God  to  his  people,  and  prescribed  their  sacred 
rites,  made  no  adequate  provision  for  their  continued  religious 
instruction.  To  no  order  of  men  did  he  assign  the  duty  of 
statedly  teaching  them  the  elements  of  divine  truth,  and  en- 
forcing on  their  regard  their  spiritual  obligations.  With  this 
the  priests  had  nothing  to  do.  They  were  consecrated  to  offer 
sacrifice,  not  to  expound  doctrine.  Except  so  far  as  the  ordi- 
nary discharge  of  their  sacerdotal  function  kept  the  people 
familiar  with  the  usages  of  the  national  worship,  the  serv;ce 
they  rendered  as  spiritual  guides  was  altogether  extra-official. 


4  A  TEACHING  MINISTRY. 

Still  less  were  the  Levites  commissioned  to  stand  in  this  rela- 
tion to  the  tribes.  The  Mosaic  law  made  the  people  them- 
selves responsible  for  the  perpetuation  of  their  faith  in  its 
purity.  The  only  ordinance  in  the  whole  code,  bearing  on 
this  object,  was  that  which  commanded  the  parent  to  bring  up 
his  household  in  the  knowledge  of  the  true  God,  of  his  statutes, 
and  of  his  former  signal  mercies  toward  the  nation  of  his 
choice. 

To  sagacity  like  that  of  the  Hebrew  Lawgiver  it  could  not 
from  the  first  have  been  a  matter  of  doubt,  what  must  be  the 
fate  of  religious  truth,  committed  thus  almost  exclusively  to  a 
keeping  so  insecure,  as  that  of  domestic  tradition  among  a  peo- 
ple degraded,  ignorant,  and  sorely  tempted  as  were  his  coun- 
trymen— just  emancipated  from  their  Egyptian  bondage,  and 
still  hemmed  in  on  every  side  by  tribes  of  the  heathen.  The 
only  consequence  possible  in  their  case  was  early  realized. 
The  energetic  character  of  one  or  another  virtuous  ruler  held 
'them  for  the  time  being  in  check ;  but  as  soon  as  this  restraint 
was  taken  off,  their  strong  idolatrous  propensities  at  once  gained 
the  mastery.  A  priesthood  they  still  had,  ministers  of  the  true 
or  of  some  corrupt  worship,  but  not  a  "teaching  priesthood;" 
and  with  no  one  to  show  them  what  was  right  in  the  eye  of 
God,  it  was  but  natural  that  "  every  one  should  do  that  which 
was  right  in  his  own  eyes."  The  connection  between  the 
want  of  habitual  religious  instruction  and  social  debasement 
was  plain,  short,  direct.  The  reverent  fear  of  "the  true  God"  on 
one  side,  and  respect  for  the  authority  of  "law"  on  the  other, 
could  be  maintained  only  through  the  constant  official  inculca- 
tion of  divine  truth.  For  want  of  the  key-stone  both  sides  of 
the  arch  fell  in ;  and  the  nation  became  lawless  and  godless. 

In  this  lesson  from  the  sacred  history  we  find  impressively 
illustrated  the  general  truth, — that  a  Teaching  Ministry,  an 
order  of  men  officially  charged  with  the  stated  and  frequent 
religious  instruction  of  the  people,  is  indispensable  to  the  per- 
manent welfare  of  society.. 


A  TEACHING  MINISTRY.  5 

As  with  individuals,  so  with  respect  to  the  interests  of  com- 
munities and  nations,  moral  resources  take  higher  rank,  and 
are  to  be  more  confidently  relied  upon  to  secure  lasting  pros- 
perity, than  the  merely  material  and  accidental.  The  founda- 
tions of  true  and  enduring  social  welfare  lie  deeper  than  the 
wealth  of  a  state,  or  its  relative  standing  among  other  powers, 
its  advantages  of  territorial  position,  or  its  form  of  govern- 
ment ; — even  in  the  Intelligence  and  the  Virtue  of  the  people  : 
that  intelligence,  which  results  from  the  diffusion  through  all 
classes  of  the  benefits  of  free  education ;  that  virtue,  which 
manifests  itself  in  a  general  conscientiousness  and  regard  for 
the  authority  of  law,  and  has  its  origin  and  the  corner  stone  of 
its  stability  in  a  deep  popular  belief  in  the  religion  of  the  gos- 
pel. Such  intelligence  and  virtue  will  transform  a  bleak  and 
barren  country  into  a  Scotland  or  a  New  England,  full  of  happy 
homes,  and  free,  strong,  enterprizing  hearts.  In  the  absence 
of  them,  the  regions  which  nature  loads  with  her  kindest  favors 
will  become  what  Ireland  and  what  Mexico  are. 

It  is  however  from  the  combination  of  these  two  elements, 
not  from  either  of  them  operating  alone,  that  the  desirable 
result  is  to  be  expected.  The  enlightenment  of  a  community 
will  not — apart  from  that  popular  morality  which  draws  its  life 
from  spiritual  religion — ensure  its  welfare,  more  than  that  of 
an  individual.  Give  superior  mental  culture  to  a  man  devoid 
of  moral  principle,  and  it  but  increases  his  power  to  work  evil 
to  himself  and  the  public.  And  it  can  do  no  more  for  men 
collectively  than  separately.  The  most  thorough  intellectual 
training  (history,  both  ancient  and  modern,  bears  abundant 
witness)  is  compatible  with  the  uttermost  domestic  corruption 
and  internal  political  weakness. 

To  secure  for  itself  the  former  of  these  prime  conditions  of 
its  own  well-being,  society  provides  the  requisite  apparatus  of 
mental  education — the  best  which  its  experience  and  practical 
sagacity  are  able  to  contrive.  At  various  prominent  points 
it  rears  its  universities  and  colleges,  ec  central  reservoirs  in 
1* 


Q  A  TEACHING  MINISTRY. 

which  may  be  gathered  large  store  of  the  sweet  waters  of  lit- 
erary and  scientific  learning,  to  be  distributed  by  suitable  con- 
duits for  the  refreshment  of  all  the  country  around.  In  this 
State  and  in  that  it  charters  its  normal  institutions,  to  educate 
those  who  shall  educate  the  mass  of  the  people.  In  its  several 
towns  it  builds  and  endows  its  academies,  and  multiplies  in 
village  and  rural  district  its  primary  schools.  It  patronizes  the 
art  of  teaching,  and  the  writing  of  school  books.  It  gives  free 
circulation  to  the  productions  of  a  free  press  through  all  its 
families.  It  organizes  lyceums,  and  employs  public  lecturers 
to  awaken  thought  and  spread  information.  It  throws  open 
the  enjoyment  of  these  advantages  to  all  among  its  population, 
who  desire  to  profit  by  them. 

An  educational  organization  of  this  popular  kind  presupposes, 
indeed,  civil  freedom  founded  on  a  pure  Christian  faith — the 
freedom  of  a  state  in  which  the  common  brotherhood  of  man  is 
practically  recognized,  and  the  general  welfare,  not  the  interest 
of  any  privileged  class,  is  esteemed  of  paramount  importance. 
Wherever  a  people  are  in  servitude — whether  under  an  arbi- 
trary sovereign,  or  in  a  pseudo-republic,  or  beneath  a  yoke  of 
domestic  slavery — the  idea  of  a  free  system  of  education  is  the 
grossest  political  solecism.  Such  a  system  must  inevitably  be 
a  nursery  of  habits  of  bold  thought  and  endeavor,  directly  sub- 
versive in  their  tendency  of  all  oppression.  Under  such  cir- 
cumstances popular  instruction,  more  than  any  other  internal 
interest,  must  be  kept  under  the  strictest  surveillance  of  the 
government.  Religion  itself  (one  of  the  most  potent  of  educa- 
tional agents)  must  of  necessity  be  degraded  into  a  tool  of 
state,  and  teach  only  such  doctrines  as  may  meet  the  approval 
and  uphold  the  supremacy  of  "  the  powers  that  be."  Under  a 
government  of  mere  force  or  prerogative,  the  more  intelligent 
the  people  beyond  certain  narrow  limits,  the  worse  subjects 
they  become,  the  harder  to  hold  in  bondage.  In  a  state  truly 
free,  the  more  intelligent  they  are,  the  better  qualified  are  they 
for  their  civil  duties,  whether  they  owe  allegiance  to  a  king,  or 
are  citizens  of  a  republic. 


A  TEACHING  MINISTRY.  7 

Where,  then,  liberty  is  firmly  established  on  the  foundation 
of  true  religion,  it  will  in  due  time  follow  by  natural  conse- 
quence that  the  social  mind  will  become  enlightened,  under 
the  potent  influences  of  free  education.  But  how  shall  that 
virtuous  popular  sentiment  be  perpetuated,  which  is  shaped 
and  directed  by  general  and  earnest  religious  belief,  and  which 
is  the  other  essential  element  of  the  highest  social  prosperity  ? 

Is  it  to  be  expected  that  men,  committed  to  their  own  im- 
pulses, will  ever  work  out  their  permanent  moral  elevation  ? 
We  have  the  conclusive  and  most  emphatic  answer  to  this 
question  in  the  ever-unchanging,  melancholy  aspect  of  the  vast 
heathen  world ;  in  which  the  blind  idolatry  and  corrupt  habits 
of  the  fathers  become  in  gloomy  succession  the  faith  and  prac- 
tice of  the  children  ;  and  darkness  broods  from  age  to  age  over 
habitations  filled  with  cruelty. 

Or  will  it  suffice,  in  the  earlier  periods  of  a  nation's  life,  to 
instruct  it  in  religious  doctrine,  and  to  entrust  the  subsequent 
guardianship  of  the  faith  in  its  purity  to  the  popular  regard  for 
its  spiritual  authority,  and  appreciation  of  its  intrinsic  value  ? 
The  history  of  Israel  shows  us  the  operation  and  issue  of  such 
an  experiment,  pursued  faithfully  through  a  long  series  of  gen- 
erations. The  force  of  the  impulse  in  a  right  direction  origi- 
nally given  to  the  Jewish  mind,  meeting  with  constant  resist- 
ance, ere  long  spent  itself;  and  the  descendants  of  Abraham, 
the  disciples  of  Moses,  soon  came  to  be  "  without  the  true  God 
and  without  law." 

If  we  inquire  still  further — (and  this  must  be  considered  the 
extreme  case) — what  would  be  the  consequence,  in  an  enlight- 
ened and  thoroughly  evangelized  community,  (like  our  own,  for 
example)  of  at  once  and  finally  abolishing  the  institution  of  the 
Christian  ministry,  and  committing  the  interests  of  morality  and 
religion  to  the  sole  care  of  other  agencies  ? — the  question  has 
never  yet  had  a  practical  trial.  The  actual  occurrence  of  such 
an  event  here  is  indeed  an  utter  improbability.  But  if  we 
were  to  suppose  that  by  providential  permission  it  were  to  take 


g  A  TEACHING  MINISTRY. 

place,  it  is  hardly  conceivable  that  any  other  result  should  fol- 
low than  that  which  was  reached  in  the  experience  of  Israel. 
The   additional  element  of  Christian  knowledge  could  only 
serve  to  delay  a  little  longer  the  complete  demoralization  of 
society.     The  force  with  which  evil  resists  good  in  this  world 
is  Avell  nigh  a  constant  quantity.     Like  the  atmospheric  press- 
ure, it  bears  upon  us  unperceived  and  continuously,  it  affects 
a  passage  by  every  possible  avenue,  it  moves  forward  wherever 
there  is  the  least  giving  back.     The  power  that  opposes  it 
must  work  without  cessation,  or  it  will  gain  ground.     The 
native  strength  to  do  evil  is  as  great  in  the  child  as  in  the 
father.     The  generation  passing  is  not  more  prone  to  sin  than 
the  generation  coming  on.     The  subjugation  of  the  one  to  the 
sway  of  religious  principle,  though  it  greatly  facilitates,  does 
not  at  all  supersede  the  necessity  of,  the  same  process  in  regard 
to  the  other.     Suppose,  now,  all  human  dependence  for  the 
perpetuation  of  spiritual  religion  in  the  community  to  be  lim- 
ited to  such  efforts,  as  naturally  and  exclusively  fall  to  the 
hands  of  a  Christian  laity.     Distribute  the  Scriptures  to  every 
one  who  will  accept  them.      Multiply  religious  publications 
indefinitely — both  the  lighter  and  the  more  substantial.     Let 
Christians  meet  on  the  Sabbath  for  social  conference  and  united 
prayer.      Concede    all    the    efficacy   that   can   be    reasonably 
claimed  to  the  silent  operation  of  a  consistent  example.     Let 
the  systems  of  family  and  Sabbath  School  instruction  exert,  as 
lon°-  as  they  may,  the  salutary  influence  that  belongs  to  them 
when  faithfully  administered.     Can  it  be  doubted  what,  after 
all,  will  be  the  ultimate   issue?     These  various  causes  may 
greatly  retard  the  process,  but  the  moral  deterioration  of  society 
is  an  inevitable  result.     Doubtless  piety  will  long  retain  some- 
thing of  its  life-breathing  spirit,  and  for  a  time  modify,  if  not 
control,  public  opinion.     But  the  number  over  whose  lives  it 
has  authority  will  by  slow  but  sure  waste  be  diminished.     Less 
and  less  encouragement  can  be  derived  from  the  dissemination 
of  evangelical  writings.     As  auxiliary  to  the  preaching  of  the 


A  TEACHING  MINISTRY.  9 

gospel,  they  render  an  admirable  service  ;  but  always  unpopular 
in  their  tenor  and  aim  with  the  mass  of  men,  they  must  by 
themselves  ever  compete  at  great  disadvantage  with  secular 
literature.  The  benefits  of  free  education  may  receive  the 
widest  diffusion.  Learning,  the  solid  and  the  elegant,  may 
continue  to  flourish,  but  separated  ever  more  broadly  from 
Christianity,  until  the  divorce  is  complete.  The  people,  as  a 
body,  may  attain  a  level  of  general  information  and  of  mental 
vigor,  beyond  any  nation  before  them  ;  and  success  may  crown 
their  intelligent  enterprise  with  an  ample  material  reward. 
But  popular  virtue,  the  other  great,  element  of  true  prosperity, 
will  ere  long  be  wanting.  Under  the  pressure  of  worldliness, 
now  grown  bolder  through  the  removal  of  one  of  its  chief 
restraints,  the  force  of  piety  in  the  church  will  in  process  of 
time  be  overborne ;  the  more  timid  and  feeble-minded  will  be 
swept  away  by  the  rising  current ;  and  even  the  men  of 
stronger  Christian  purpose  will  begin  to  confess  their  discour- 
agement at  the  ever-increasing  difficulty  of  their  work.  The 
religious  gatherings  of  the  Sabbath,  lacking  one  of  their  prin- 
cipal attractions,  will  soon  be  deserted  by  all  but  the  more 
devout,  and  will  at  length  go  into  disuse.  Fewer  and  fewer 
will  be  the  copies  of  the  Bible,  that  guide  the  meditations  of 
the  closet  and  the  visible  deportment.  Scantier  and  less  hopeful 
will  become  the  firer;de  instruction  in  its  truths.  Narrower  con- 
tinually must  grow  the  circulation  of  religious  publications,  until, 
at  last  unsupported,  they  cease  to  appear.  As  time  advances, 
errors  will  multiply.  Infidelity  will  promulge  without  a  blush 
its  licentious  doctrines ;  and  by  natural  consequence  crime 
against  the  peace  and  purity  of  society  will  be  perpetrated  with 
fast  increasing  frequency,  and  encounter  no  strong  opposing 
moral  sentiment.  And,  this  point  attained,  the  community  is 
practically  "  without  the  true  God,"  and  is  in  the  fair  way  of 
being  speedily  "without  law."  This  consummation  may  not  be 
reached  in  one  generation,  or  in  two ;  but  its  final  attainment 
under  such  conditions  is  only  a  question  of  time.     A  Christian 


10  A  TEACHING  MINISTRY. 

state  must  ultimately  retrograde  to  the  reckless  disregard  of  all 
law,  divine  and  human,  in  default  of  the  only  adequate  conser- 
vative agency,  under  God, — a  permanent  order  or  succession  of 
religious  teachers. 

These  considerations  may  serve  to  illustrate,  my  friends,  the 
wisdom  of  our  blessed  Lord,  in  supplying  in  the  second  grand 
dispensation  of  his  church  the  most  serious  deficiency  of  the 
first,  by  the  institution  of  the  gospel  ministry.  He  created  not 
indeed  the  "  teaching  priesthood  "  mentioned  in  the  text ;  since 
under  the  Christian  economy  all  sacerdotal  functions  and  dig- 
nity vest  solely  in  himself.  But  he  established  what  is  now 
the  virtual  equivalent  and  sufficient  substitute  for  such  a  priest- 
hood, the  succession  of  official  teachers  of  the  gospel.  "  Go 
ye," — was  his  parting  injunction  to  his  disciples — "  and  teach 
all  nations."  "  And  he  gave  some,  apostles ;"  says  the  most 
illustrious  of  their  number;  "and  some,  prophets;"  (these  for 
a  temporary  work,  but  as  permanent  agents)  "  some,  evangel- 
ists; and  some,  pastors  and  teachers;  for  the  perfecting  of  the 
saints,  for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  for  the  edifying — the 
building  up — of  the  body  of  Christ." 

It  needs  now  but  little  reflection  to  perceive  the  singular 
adaptation  of  such  an  order  (using  the  term  to  denote  dis- 
tinction of  calling,  not  of  rank)  to  the  awakening  and  preser- 
vation of  social  intelligence  and  social  virtue.  No  mystery 
attends  its  agency,  other  than  the  inward  operation  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  on  the  human  heart.  Its  members  are  chosen 
from  the  intelligent  and  the  virtuous,  to  accomplish  an  avowed 
purpose  by  rational  means.  They  set  apart  others  of  kindred 
spirit  to  follow  after  them  in  the  same  work ;  and  these  again 
give  it  in  charge  to  the  men  of  another  generation.  No  priestly 
power,  indeed,  is  transmitted  along  this  series  of  religious 
officials ;  but  a  succession  of  instructors  in  the  great  truths 
of  religion  is  in  this  simple  way  secured  to  the  church  of 
Christ.  His  minister,  prepared  for  the  service  by  disposition 
and   by   the  requisite    mental    and  spiritual  training,   dwells 


A  TEACHING  MINISTRY.  H 

among  his  brethren  as  one  of  them ;  not  u  a  lord  over  God's 
heritage,"  but  the  pastor  of  their  choice,  "  serving  them  in  the 
gospel  for  Jesus'  sake."  It  is  his  peculiar  business — the  object 
for  which  he  is  set  apart  by  his  very  calling — to  labor  to  do 
them  good,  primarily  though  not  exclusively  by  leading  them 
into  the  fold  of  the  Good  Shepherd.  And  if  he  be  worthy 
of  his  office,  his  heart  as  well  as  his  intellect  is  devoted  to 
this  end.  He  studies  for  this.  He  prays  for  this.  He  watches 
favorable  occasions  for  this.  From  the  beginning:  to  the  end 
of  the  year,  he  meets  them  statedly  for  this  purpose  on  the 
Sabbath,  to  hold  up  divine  truth,  as  often  as  the  sacred 
day  recurs,  full  in  their  view ; — to  admonish  them  of  errors  and 
sins  ;  to  present  personal  obligation  ;  to  quicken  conscience  to 
its  work  ;  to  proclaim  the  sanctions  of  the  law  of  Jehovah  ;  to 
unveil  the  glories  and  attractions  of  the  cross ;  and  with  the 
authority  of  a  commissioned  ambassador  of  Christ,  yet  with 
the.  affection  of  a  brother  who  is  himself  dependent  on  sov- 
ereign grace,  to  break  for  them  the  bread,  and  to  put  to  their 
lips  the  cup  of  the  water,  of  life.  Preeminently  is  he  the 
Teacher  of  his  people ;  not  the  mere  puppet  of  a  ritual  service — 
not  the  performer  before  them  of  insignificant  and  superstitious 
ceremonies — his  task  is  to  press  on  their  attention  verities  the 
most  sublime  yet  the  most  practical,  to  work  in  their  minds 
intelligent  conviction,  to  educate  them  to  comprehensive  views 
of  doctrine,  dealing  with  them  as  rational  beings,  and  concen- 
trating all  the  light  he  can  borrow  from  his  reading  and  expe- 
rience upon  the  clearer  elucidation  and  enforcement  of  the 
word  of  God. 

Privileged  by  his  position  to  enter  the  various  home-circles 
of  his  people,  as  one  affectionately  sympathizing  in  what  seri- 
ously concerns  them  ;  he  is  for  his  very  '-'work's  sake"  presumed 
to  be  a  sincere  friend.  In  scenes  of  the  deepest  domestic  in- 
terest his  friendly  presence  and  aid  are  sought.  By  his  voice  is 
the  nuptial  blessing  invoked.  His  hand  sets  the  seal  of  the  ev- 
erlasting covenant  upon  the  infant  forehead.    He  whispers  words 


12  A  TEACHING  MINISTRY. 

of  counsel  and  of  patient  submission  in  the  sick  man's  ear. 
He  commends  the  departing  spirit  to  the  mercy  of  God.  He 
draws  lessons  of  timely  admonition  from  death  and  the  grave 
for  the  instruction  of  the  living.  He  too,  as  the  instrument  of 
a  more  skillful  and  potent  Comforter,  "  healeth  the  broken  in 
heart,  and  bindeth  up  their  wounds."  The  young  look  up  to 
him  as  the  respected  pastor  of  their  parents  and  elders,  and 
yield  the  higher  regard  to  the  words  he  speaks  in  that  capacity; 
and  when  their  hearts  are  bowed  down  with  religious  anxieties, 
he  is  the  confidant  and  the  counselor  to  whom  they  naturally 
have  recourse  for  spiritual  light. 

With  more  or  less  of  completeness,  yet  further,  he  illustrates 
the  moral  beauty  of  Christian  principle  in  his  own  life  of  earn- 
est well-doing.  All  that  is  "lovely  and  of  good  report,"  all 
that  is  true  in  doctrine  and  right  in  practice,  has  in  him  an  au- 
thorized defender.  Preserving  his  own  meekness  and  gentle- 
ness, he,  by  virtue  of  his  office,  may  boldly  denounce  all 
wrong  in  high  or  low,  and  yet  give  no  just  cause  of  offense. 
He  has  the  ear  of  his  people,  and  access  through  the  ear  to  their 
hearts.  The  friends  of  religion  fall  back  upon  him  for  support, 
and  are  conscious  of  strength  in  him  as  their  leader.  The 
lovers  of  good  order  respect  him  for  his  intellectual  and  moral 
worth,  and  know  how  to  appreciate  the  value  of  his  great  social 
influence.  Only  the  wicked  hate  him,  because  they  feel  the 
silent  check  of  that  influence  upon  their  wickedness. 

Thus  he  stands  in  the  community  one  of  the  strong  pillars 
of  the  church  of  Christ  and  of  public  intelligence  and  morality, 
partly  in  the  power  of  his  own  Christian  character,  and  partly 
too  in  the  power  of  his  divinely  instituted  and  time-honored 
office.  And  when  God's  providence  removes  him  by  death,  or 
to  some  new  sphere  of  duty,  another  enters  into  his  labors  for 
the  same  ends.  And  thus,  from  one  generation  and  age  to 
another,  a  beacon-light  is  kept  burning,  signal  at  once  of  dan- 
ger and  deliverance  at  hand — divine  truth  finds  at  the  post  so 
occupied  a  free  voice,  and  God  has  a  servant  stationed  to  pro- 


A  TEACHING  MINISTRY.  13 

claim  his  will,  "  whether  men  will  hear  or  forbear."  And  there, 
with  his  blessing,  will  his  word  continue  to  be  the  acknowl- 
edged jndge  of  right  and  wrong,  and  its  principles  will  in 
general  restrain  and  regulate  the  popular  sentiment.  There 
will  "the  true  God"  be  reverently  worshiped,  and  "law" 
will  maintain  its  steady  sway  over  the  public  mind,  and  society 
will  "  hold  fast  that  which  is  good,"  though  it  be  old,  and 
go  onward  still  in  the  career  of  improvement,  through  the 
conservative   and    yet    quickening   iniluence    of    a   teaching 

MINISTRY. 

Such  a  ministry,  it  is  then  apparent,  is  an  indispensable  social 
necessity;  the  condition  of  that  prevailing  rectitude  of  prin- 
ciple, which  is  itself  one  of  the  immediate  conditions  of  the 
social  welfare.  Wherever  it  is  wanting,  the  tendency  of  the 
community  is  surely  downward.  Mere  public  spirit,  therefore, 
(not  to  speak  of  a  higher  motive,)  demands  the  establishment 
and  perpetuation  of  this  ministry,  wherever  the  spiritual  wants 
of  the  people  require  it.  And  every  one  who  claims  to  be  a 
lover  of  his  country — not  to  say,  every  friend  of  Christ — has 
cause  to  take  interest  in  the  effectual  accomplishment  of  such  a 
result.  It  is  a  matter  in  which  all  have  a  real  concern,  how 
the  State  and  the  Nation  shall  be  thoroughly  provided  with  a 
permanent  evangelical  ministry,  devoted,  as  it  needs  to  be  in 
order  to  the  highest  usefulness,  wholly  to  its  appropriate  work. 

To  a  wide  extent,  it  is  true,  the  spontaneous  action  of  the 
people  forestalls  every  practical  difficulty.  The  religious  sen- 
timent is  in  our  own  country  so  deeply  planted,  and  so  widely 
influential — especially  among  the  native  population — that  the 
neighborhoods  are  comparatively  few,  which  do  not  prize,  and 
demand,  the  services  of  a  settled  minister ;  or  which,  if  able, 
are  not  willing  to  incur,  in  recompense  for  them,  the  burden  of 
his  support.  But  where  this  ability  does  not  exist,  how  is  the 
necessity  to  be  met  ?  Scattered  between  our  cities  and  more 
thriving  centres  of  traffic,  and  much  more  numerously  toward 
our  internal  frontiers,  are  many  a  hamlet  and  sparse  settlement  ; 


14  A  TEACHING  MINISTRY. 

upon  whose  few  inhabitants,  subsisting  only  by  dint  of  hard  in- 
dustry and  close  economy,  the  sustenance  of  a  minister  of  Christ 
must  impose  an  additional  tax,  which  they  are  ill  able  to  pay. 
Shall  they,  then,  because  of  their  poverty,  be  condemned  to 
forego  the  benign  instructions  and  ordinances  of  religion  ?  Leav- 
ing out  of  view  the  consequences  to  them  of  such  destitution  in 
the  eternity  to  come,  we  have  already  seen  its  probable  disas- 
trous effect  upon  their  worldly  well-being  ;  and  in  their  loss 
the  public  at  large  are  also  sufferers.  Cut  off  from  Christian 
teaching,  their  only  prospect  is  deterioration  in  principle  and 
practice.  And  the  alternative  their  condition  offers  is,  whether 
they  shall  be  abandoned  to  the  pernicious  influences  of  social 
irreligion,  tending  ever  "to  more  ungodliness;"  or  whether  in 
their  inability  they  shall  be  succored  from  without,  and  by 
others'  aid  a  Christian  minister  be  stationed  among  them,  to  be 
the  central  nucleus  around  which  the  various  loose  elements  of 
society  shall  crystallize  in  beautiful  order,  obedient  to  a  heavenly 
law.  And  if  to  the  spirit  of  philanthropy  this  alternative  leaves 
no  place  for  hesitation  ;  then  there  still  remains  the  practical 
question :  On  whom  does  the  obligation  devolve  of  thus  supply- 
ing the  needy  with  the  ministrations  of  religion  ? 

With  such  an  undertaking  the  civil  government  may  in  other 
countries  be  ready  to  intermeddle,  and  even  to  take  it  under 
state  control  ;  but  can  have  no  concern  with  it  here.  The 
spiritual  wants  of  the  people  lie  beyond  the  sphere  of  its  ad- 
ministration ;  and  the  universal  equality  of  religious  sects  in 
the  eye  of  the  law  forbids  that  governmental  countenance  or 
support  should  be  given  to  any  one  of  them,  to  the  real  or 
seeming  prejudice  of  the  rest.  Neither  is  the  work  one  which 
can  be  prudently  left — for  obvious  reasons — to  the  zeal  and 
energy  of  private  Christians.  The  dependence  is  too  uncertain. 
The  resources  of  individual  wealth  in  the  hands  of  the  devoted 
friends  of  Christ  are  not  adequate  to  the  greatness  of  the  neces- 
sity. It  demands  an  instrumentality  that  shall  secure  the  sys- 
tematic, thorough,  and  persevering  prosecution  of  the  object. 
And,  the  only  method  of  obtaining  this  is  associated  and  organ- 


A  TEACHING  MINISTRY.  15 

ized  Christian  enterprize.  "  We  who  are  strong" — says  the 
apostle — "  ice  ought  to  bear  the  infirmities  of  the  weak,  and 
not  to  please  ourselves."  And  the  spirit  of  this  scriptural 
precept,  which  breathes  so  manifestly  the  benevolence  of  the 
gospel,  requires,  in  its  application  to  the  duty  we  are  consider- 
ing, that  those  who  love  God  should  combine  their  efforts,  in 
the  way  which  reason  and  experience  point  out  as  the  best 
to  effect  the  desired  end.  The  great  works  of  public  conven- 
ience, which  no  man  can  afford  to  build  at  his  own  expense, 
are  easily  constructed  by  the  united  resources  of  a  numerous 
company.  The  church  of  Christ — and  even  the  separate 
leading  divisions  of  that  church — are  amply  competent  to  bear 
even  so  great  a  burden  as  that  of  maintaining  the  institutions 
of  Christianity  among  their  destitute  countrymen,  by  the  same 
simple  process  of  cooperation.  And  in  the  execution  of  this 
most  necessary  and  useful  work  it  is  the  privilege  of  every 
Christian  to  be  according  to  his  will  a  stockholder.  For  in  it — 
as  in  no  other  enterprize — "  if  there  be  first  a  willing  mind, 
a  man  is  accepted  according  to  that  which  he  hath,  and  not 
according  to  that  which  he  hath  not."  And,  under  divine 
providence,  it  is  only  by  such  means  that  the  complete  evan- 
gelization of  the  country  can  be  permanently  effected.  It  will 
not  come  to  pass  of  itself,  but  a  very  different  result  in  its  stead. 
It  cannot  be  compassed  by  the  exertions  of  a  few,  or  the  short- 
lived zeal  of  numbers.  "  The  foundations  of  many  genera- 
tions" are  not  to  be  laid  in  a  day,  or  with  trifling  pains  and  cost. 
They  must  inclose  a  broad  territory.  They  must  traverse  the 
roughest  ground.  They  must  be  made  strong  in  proportion  to 
the  greatness  of  the  building  to  be  reared  upon  them.  And 
slow  and  hard  and  long  must  be  the  toil,  and  liberal  the  ex- 
penditure, that  shall  lay  them  well. 

In  such  an  undertaking  there  is  not  only  room  for  all  to 
work,  but  need  of  all.  No  endeavor  can  be  more  patriotic  or 
Christian,  or  promises  better  to  promote  the  welfare  of  the 
country  that  we  love.  None  therefore  prefers  a  stronger  claim 
to  the  cordial  support  of  all,  who  have  the  good  of  that  country 


|5  A  TEACHING  MINISTRY. 

truly  at  heart.  But  especially  does  it  commend  itself  to  those 
who  acknowledge  subjection  to  Christ's  law  of  love,  and  their 
obligation  "freely  to  give"  even  as  they  "have  freely  received." 
To  their  unfeigned  and  operative  desire  for  the  enlargement  of 
Christ's  earthly  kingdom,  to  their  enlightened  sympathy  with 
him  in  the  aims  of  his  grace  and  the  course  of  his  providence, 
to  their  prayerful  counsels  and  labors,  their  willing  self-sacrifice, 
their  steadfast  perseverance  in  well-doing,  their  humble  depend- 
ence on  the  power  of  the  Divine  Spirit  to  give  their  efforts 
success — is  the  great  work  committed.  Thus  carried  on, 
"  their  labor  cannot  be  in  vain  in  the  Lord."  Our  land  through 
all  its  borders  shall  keep  its  Sabbaths,  and  from  age  to  age  shall 
we  continue  a  people  "  whom  the  Lord  our  God  careth  for," 
and  delighteth  to  bless. 

A  work  such  as  we  have  now  been  considering — the  main- 
tenance of  a  teaching  ministry  among  the  destitute — has  the 
Missionary  Society,  whose  anniversary  we  observe  to-day,  been 
quietly,  and  in  a  measure  successfully,  endeavoring  to  accom- 
plish, for  the  last  forty-five  years,  in  behalf  of  the  State  of 
Maine.  Were  it  challenged  to  show  its  actual  results  in  good, 
the  response  might  well  be,  that  a  foundation  wall  stands  of 
course  more  out  of  sight  below  than  above  the  surface  of  the 
ground,  and  is  not  intended  for  display.  And  still  may  the 
Society,  in  the  honorable  consciousness  of  past  fidelity  to  its 
trust  according  to  its  ability,  by  way  of  answer  bid  the  inquirer 
"look  around"  him.  Yet  not  by  simply  "looking  around," 
and  noting  the  obvious  good  it  has  wrought,  and  is  working,  in 
scores  of  villages  and  plantations,  in  the  advocacy  of  good 
morals  and  the  promotion  of  vital  piety,  will  you  gather  the 
materials  for  a  just  estimate  of  its  merits.  Who  but  the  Om- 
niscient is  able  to  discern  the  negative  benefits  of  its  agency — 
to  comprehend  how  much  evil  it  has  prevented  in  the  long 
course  of  its  operation,  that  else  had  sorely  cursed  the  State 
and  the  Nation?  And  to-day  we  greet  it  from  our  various 
sanctuaries,  (many  of  which  owe  the  enjoyment  of  their  prec- 
ious ordinances  to  its  brotherly  kindness,)  betraying  no  symp- 


A  TEACHING  MINISTRY.  17 

torn  of  age  and  decay,  but  rather  in  the  fresh  vigor  of  its  early- 
prime.  It  has  not  yet  "  fulfilled  its  course"' — it  has  but  made  a 
good  beginning.  And  in  the  future  it  must  long  bear  an  in- 
creasing rather  than  a  lessening  burden.  We  look  forward  to 
the  time  when,  undeceived  as  to  the  imagined  attractions  of  a 
Western  paradise,  and  the  golden  charms  of  regions  still  more 
remote,  our  young  men  shall  be  content  to  wrest  their  liveli- 
hood by  patient  industry  from  the  resources  of  their  native  soil, 
and  to  "dwell  among  their  own  people."  We  look  to  the  time 
when  those  resources  shall  be  far  more  thoroughly  explored  and 
extensively  improved,  than  as  yet  they  have  ever  been ; — to 
the  recovery  of  vast  tracts  of  territory  from  their  present  wild- 
ness  to  purposes  of  skillful  husbandry ; — to  the  upspringing  of 
many  a  thrifty  farming  village  and  busy  town,  in  clearings 
where  as  yet  the  virgin  forest  stands,  and  on  the  shores  of  our 
quiet  lakes,  and  by  the  swift  current  of  our  great  rivers,  and 
around  their  numerous  waterfalls ; — to  the  binding  of  the  dif- 
ferent sections  of  the  State  together  with  cross  bands  of  iron  : — 
to  the  employment  on  a  greatly  expanded  scale  of  our  unrivaled 
facilities  for  foreign  commerce  ; — and  to  the  consequent  large 
increase  of  our  population  and  our  wealth.  And  with  their 
advance  must  keep  pace  the  agencies  of  pure  religion.  This 
Society  claims  not  this  field,  indeed,  for  its  exclusive  occupancy. 
So  far  otherwise,  it  bids  a  cordial  God-speed  to  its  evangelical 
brethren  of  whatever  name,  who  are  engaged  in  alike  good 
service.  But  with  the  growth  of  the  Commonwealth  must  its 
responsibilities  unquestionably  be  augmented.  And  in  dis- 
charging them,  it  boldly  calls  on  the  numerous  congregations 
it  represents,  to  see  that  no  weak  impatience  or  unwise  parsi- 
mony be  permitted  to  cripple  its  ability  for  doing  good.  For 
it  is  but  their  agent,  working  for  them  ; — or  rather  let  us  say, 
it  is  working  for  God,  and  for  the  ages  to  come !  And  with 
his  favor,  potent  and  lasting  shall  be  its  influence  in  preserving 
Maine  from  ever  coming  to  be  "  without  the  true  God;  and 
without  law !" 

2* 


FORTY-FIFTH  ANNUAL  EFFORT. 


Jesus  Christ  was  a  Missionary,  appointed  and  sent  forth  by 
the  Father  to  bear  witness  to  the  truth.  He  was  a  Home 
Missionary.  Himself  a  Jew,  he  was  sent  to  the  lost  sheep  to 
the  house  of  Israel.  With  weary  steps  he  traversed  the  cities 
and  villages  of  his  native  land,  calling  on  men  to  repent,  in 
the  temple  and  the  synagogue,  on  the  hill-side  and  by  the  way- 
side, in  the  dwelling  house  and  the  fishing  boat,  preaching, 
everywhere,  the  Gospel  of  the  kingdom.  Oh,  how  was  our 
earth  honored  when  He  dwelt  upon  it ;  and  how  was  the 
work  of  the  Home  Missionary  honored,  when  He  was  em- 
ployed in  it. 

At  that  period,  no  systematic  measures  were  adopted,  either 
in  relation  to  him,  or  to  the  twelve  and  the  seventy,  whom  he 
sent  forth  for  a  short  season,  on  domestic  missions,  nor  yet  in 
relation  to  his  apostles  after  his  ascension,  for  the  temporal 
support  of  laborers  in  the  Gospel  vineyard.  We  read  however 
of  certain  women,  who  rranistered  to  our  blessed  Lord  of  their 
substance,  and  of  the  brethren  from  Macedonia,  supplying  that 
which  was  lacking  to  the  apostle  Paul,  while  he  labored  in 
Corinth.  In  our  day,  when  the  "  company "  of  Christian 
missionaries  is  greatly  increased,  and  the  work  to  be  done  is 
continually  growing  upon  their  hands,  it  has  been  found  nec- 
essary to  act,  in  sustaining  them,  in  concert,  and  on  system. 
It  is  ordained  of  God,  that  they  who  preach  the  Gospel,  should 
live  of  the  Gospel ;  and  when  they  cannot  obtain  an  adequate 
support  from  those  among  whom  they  labor,  others  do  well  to 
assist  them.  That  opportunity  may  be  offered  for  performing 
a  service  so  acceptable  to  God,  and  so  profitable  to  men,  to  the 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  19 

best  advantage,  is  the  design  of  missionary  associations ;  and 
of  these  none  has  stronger  claims  upon  the  sympathies,  prayers, 
and  charities  of  the  Christians  and  the  citizens  of  Maine,  than 
the  Society,  which  holds  this  day  its  forty-fifth  anniversary. 
It  proposes  to  assist  those,  who  are  sent  forth,  like  their  Divine 
Master,  to  preach  the  Gospel  at  home;  and  through  them  to 
confer  a  benefit  of  priceless  value  upon  many  of  the  churches 
and  communities  of  our  own  State.  Hitherto  hath  the  Lord 
helped  us ;  and  we  have  now  assembled,  that  we  may  oifer  our 
thanks  for  the  past,  and  take  counsel  for  the  future. 

TABULAR  VIEW. 

A  list  will  now  be  given  of  the  churches  and  congregations, 
aided  during  the  past  year,  with  the  names  of  the  missionaries, 
and  such  other  particulars,  as  were  included  in  the  last  two 
Annual  Reports. 


20 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


TABULAR  VIEW. 


Churches  and  Missionaries. 


1.  Acton. 
Rev.  William  Fierce,  s.  s. 


2.  Alexander. 
Cooper. 
Mr.  John  R.  Upton,  s.  s. 
Rev.  C.  W.  Richardson. 


3.  Albany. 

Rev.  Geo.  F.  Tewksbury,  P. 


4.  Alna. 
Rev.  Sam'l  Talbot,  P. 


5.  Amherst  and  Aurora. 
•Rev.  Henry  S.  Loring,  P. 


6.  Andover. 
Rev.  Mark  Gould,  P. 


7.  Atkinson. 
^Bradford. 
Rev.  Eusebius  Hale,  s.  s. 
Mr.  Solomon  E.  Bixby. 


B.  Belfast,  North. 
Mr.  Wm.  C.  Pond. 
Rev.  J.  A.  Munsell. 


).  Belgrade, 

(Chandler's  Mills.) 
Rey.  Josiak  Tucker. 


Date  of 

Commission. 


June  25,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 
May  4,  1S52. 


June  25,  1851. 
June  25,  1851. 
June  25,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 

• 


June  25,  1851. 
May  4, 1852. 


Sept.,  1851. 


12m 


6 
11-2 


Nov.  12, 1851. 


12 


12 


12 


12 


50 


100 


100 


01 


126 


143 

28 


56 


2S 


100 


110 


125 


12-3 


GO 


IS 


7-5 


31 


40 


42 


12 


20  00 


12  50 


10  25 


21 


21 


20 


14  00 


16  75 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  21 

TABILAR  VIEW. 

REMARKS. 


1.  "Our  Sabbath  School  is  attended  with  more  interest,  than  for  many  years 
previous.  "\Vc  have  some  evidence  that  four  of  the  youth,  connected  with  it  have 
been  brought  from  nature's  darkness  to  the  marvelous  light  of  grace,  while  others 
are  inquiring  what  they  shall  do  to  be  saved.  Sabbath  and  prayer  meetings  are  much 
better  attended  than  one  year  since ;  and  a  deep  anxiousness  has  been  resting  for  some 
weeks  on  the  minds  of  this  people." 

2.  During  the  summer  months  of  Mr.  Upton's  mission  there  was  in  both  these 
places  "  a  uniform  increase  of  numbers.  The  young  people  exhibited  great  interest  in 
the  meetings."  Several  minds  appeared  tender.  The  people  felt  their  need  of 
preaching,  and  said  they  must  have  it. — Mr.  Richardson  after  spending  three  Sabbaths 
in  this  field  considers  it  a  promising  missionary  station. 

3.  Since  last  January  Mr.  T.  has  resided  with  his  family  for  special  reasons,  and 
with  consent  of  his  people  at  Oxford,  and  has  supplied  the  pulpit  at  Albany  but  one 
half  the  time. — The  interest  of  the  people  at  Albany  in  the  ordinances  of  religion  and 
their  ability  to  sustain  them  are  about  the  same  as  for  several  years  past. 

4.  "  More  adults  than  before  in  the  Sabbath  School.  The  church  has  recently  been 
quickened,  and  a  deeper  solemnity  has  attended  our  meetings.  There  seem  to  be 
few  materials,  with  which  to  build  up  a  strong  self-sustaining  society.  But  while  the 
people  feel  unable  of  themselves  to  sustain  the  constant  preaching  of  the  gospel,  they 
are  too  poor  to  do  without  it." 

5.  Nothing  reported  of  special  interest. 


I 


6.  Tniversalism  has  a  strong  hold  upon  a  large  portion  of  this  population. — About 
one  half  the  voters  in  town  have  declared  themselves  against  the  Temperance  Law, 

nd  opposition  to  that  law  has  strengthened  the  opposition  in  the  minds  of  many  to 
is  and  our  cause. — There  is»  no  other  evangelical  preaching  in  town,  except  by  a 

Methodist  brother  one  fourth  of  the  time. — Harmony  in  the  church  appears  to  increase. 

— We  have  two  Sabbath  Schools  in  the  town,  and  are  expecting  to  commence  another." 

7.  Mr.  Hale  left  this  field  of  labor  the  first  of  April.  His  departure  is  deeply 
regretted.  He  represents  the  state  of  things  at  Bradford,  as  discouraging  on  account 
of  the  want  of  efficient  co-operation  within  the  church  and  of  prejudices  and  oppositf^n 
without  it.  At  Atkixson  "  things  continue  to  look  encouraging." — Mr.  Bixby  was 
very  favorably  received,  and  an  arrangement  has  been  made  for  securing  his  services 
for  twelve  months  to  come. 

8.  The  fruits  of  a  revival  in  this  place,  which  commenced  under  the  preaching  of 
Mr.  Pond,  are  "some  dozen  cases  of  hope.  Among  them  is  one,  who  deliberately 
and  decidedly  threw  up  her  old  nope,  convinced  that  she  was  deceived.  Three  new 
family  altars  have  been  erected.  A  Young  Man's  Class  in  the  Sabbath  School 
organized  soon  after  the  season  of  special  religious  interest  under  the  tuition  of  one 
of  "the  young  converts,  is  vigorously  sustained.  The  church  has  reached,  it  is  believed, 
a  higher  point  of  Christian  character." 

9.  At  Chandler's  Mills  is  a  settlement,  embracing  quite  a  number  of  families,  but 
without  regular  preaching.  Very  few  professing  Christians  reside  there  ;  but  a  desire 
has  been  expressed  for  the  coming  of  a  missionary,  and  a  willingness  to  contribute 
something  to  his  support.  Mr.  T.  organized  a  Sabbath  School  to  go  into  operation 
in  the  Spring. 


22 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


TABULAR  VIEW. 


Churches  and  Missionaries. 


10.  Benton. 

Kendall's  Mills, 

(Fairfield.) 
Hunter's  Mills, 
(Clinton.) 
Mr.  Crosby  H.  "Wheeler. 


11.  Bingham. 

Solon  Village. 
Rev.  Sidney  Turner,  P. 


12.  Blanchaed. 

Greenville. 
Sangerville. 
Rev.  John  A.  Perry,  s.  s. 


13.  Bridgton,  North. 
Rev.  Leonard  W.  Harris,  P, 


14.  Brooksville,  West. 
Rev.  Josiah  G.  Merrill,  P. 


15.  Brooksville,  East. 
Rev.  Manning  Ellis,  P. 


16.  Brownfield. 
Hiram. 
Rev.  David  Gerry,  P. 


17.  Bro-wnville. 

Rev.  Win.  S.  Sewall,  P. 


18.  Burlington 
Rev.  Marcus  R.  Keep,  s.  s. 


Date  of 

Commission. 


April  26,  1852. 

June  25, 1851. 

June  25,  1851. 
June  25,  1851. 

June  25,  1851. 

June  25,  1851. 

June  25,  1851. 
June  25,  1851. 
June  25,  1851. 


1-2 
mo. 


12 


12 


12 


12 


12 


12 


Mr.  John  E.  M.  Wright.      jMay  4,  1852 


42 


126 


199 


50  200 


100 


50 


126 


75 


50 


45 


51 


45 


116   78 


90   17 


i 

a 

- 

u 

£ 

> 

o 

o 

>, 

— 

*ZL 

^ 

o 

Ph 

TJ 

o 

< 

H 

Pi      £S 


1     6  00 
1  95 


2.3 


11  5 


7  20 


21 


5  50 


5  08 
3  00 


5    26  35  46  63 


10 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  23 

TABULAR  VIEW. 


E, EMARKS 


10.  At  Benton  there  are  grounds  of  encouragement.  A  larger  number  of  people 
than  formerly  have  become  pewholders,  and  about  §300  arc  to  i  d  in  repair- 
ing and  painting  the  meeting  house. — At  Kendall's  Mills  the  attendance  on  public 
worship  is  good,  and  some  are  entertaining  the  hope  that  Cod  !  preaching 
will  be  sustained  there  (with  aid  from  the  M.  M.  S.)  for  one  half  the  time. — At 
Hunter's  Mills  a  new  meeting  house  has  recently  been  erected — with  the  understand- 
ing, that  Congregational  ministers  may  occupy  the  pulpit  one.  fourth  of  the  time. — 
Mr.  W.  visited  at  these  three  places  165  families,  and  was  in  general  very  kindly 
received.  Some  twenty  Sabbaths  have  been  supplied  during  the  winter  and  spring  at 
Benton  and  Fairfield  by  the  Secretary  of  this  Society,  for  a  compensation  accruing  to 
the  benefit  of  the  Society. 

11.  In  both  places  an  unusual  interest  in  the  Sabbath  School,  and  Bible  Class. 
"  From  both  a  large  number  (considering  the  population)  have  gone  within  the  two 
past  years  to  California.  Should  the  greater  part  of  those  who  have  left  Bingham 
return,  and  bring  with  them  the  expected  results  of  then-  toil,  it  would  materially 
increase  our  pecuniary  ability.  Our  people  are  disposed  to  do  what  they  can.  I 
could  mention  several  instances  of  self-denying  liberality  like  hers,  who  though  giving 
but  two  mites  gave  all  she  had." 

12.  Nothing  of  special  interest  is  reported  from  these  places.  At  Greenville  the 
hope  is  indulged,  that  a  Congregational  church  will  soon  be  gathered.  The  only 
religious  meeting,  now  held  there,  is  by  Mr.  Ferry  one  third  of  the  time. 

13.  "For  about  two  months  past  we  have  been  favored  with  a  revival  of  religion. 
The  church  is  revived  ;  and  we  hope  that  some  25  persons  have  passed  from  death 
unto  life.  The  interest  (June  2d)  has  not  subsided.  Several  young  men,  of  promisinc 
talents,  connected  with  the  Academy,  are  among  the  converts ;  some  of  whom,  we 
are  encouraged  to  believe,  will  enter  upon  a  course  of  preparation  for  the  gospel 
ministry." 

14.  The  pastor  of  this  church  laments  the  prevalence  of  "  worldliness,  and  a 
mournful  want  of  Christian  principle."  Prayer  and  conference  meetings  have  "  died 
out."  At  some  out-starions  meetings  have  been  well  attended,  and  the  hope  has 
been  entertained,  that  the  Lord  was  about  to  revive  his  work. — A  more  commodious 
house  of  worship  is  greatly  needed. 

15.  Nothing  reported  frcm  this  place  of  special  interest.  * 

16.  Difficulties,  that  have  existed  in  the  church  at  Brownfield,  in  great  measure 
removed,  and  a  very  strong  desire  expressed  for  the  continuance  of  their  pastor.  The 
Sabbath  School  has  opened  this  spring  with  more  than  usual  interest. — "In  Hiram 
the  prospects  are  more  favorable,  than  they  have  been  for  a  long  lime."— In  both 
places  "the  cause  of  temperance  is  steadily  advancing." 

17.  Oie  cau-e  of  discouragement  is  "the  disposition  of  the  young  to  migrate  to 
the  West,  or  to  California."  Another,  "that  families  are  divided  in  their  religious 
views,  and  hence  the  children  have  no  regular  place  of  worship." 

18.  Mr.  Keep  removed  from  Burlington  in  the  winter,  and  after  his  departure  they 
had  no  evangelical  preaching,  until  the  coming  of  Mr.  Wright.  They  have  also  been 
deprived  by  death  of  their  only  deacon.  In  the  absence  of  a  pastor  attempts  were 
made  to  introduce  among  them  hurtful  error  and  delusion.  Mr.  W.  was  heard  with 
attention,  and  an  anxious  desire  was  expressed  for  the  constant  preaching  of  the 
Gospel. 


24 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


TABULAR  VIEW. 


Churches  and  Missionaries. 


19.  Cape  Elizabeth. 
Hev.  Royal  Parkinson,  P. 


20.  Castine,  North. 

Mr.  Henry  S.  Downs. 


21.  Ceerryiteld. 

Columbia. 
Rev.  Philip  Titcomb,  s.  s. 


22.  Chesteryille. 
Fayette. 
Rev.  Joseph  H.  Conant,  P. 


23.  Dedham. 
Rev.  Lewis  Goodrich. 


24.  Dexter. 

Mr.  Dan'l  F.  Potter. 
Rev.  Joshua  S.  Gay. 
Rev.  Philip  Titcomb. 


25.  Dixfield, 

Rev.  Alfred  Morse. 


26.  Dixmont. 

Plymouth. 
Rev.  Israel  Hills,  5.  s. 

27.  Dover  and  Foxcroet. 
Rev.  "Wooster  Parker. 


28.  Farminoton  Falls. 
Mercer. 
Rev.  Alpha  Morton,  s.  s. 
John  K..  Deering,  s.  s. 


Date  of 

Commission. 


June  25,  1851. 


August  28,  '51 


June  25,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 


July,  1851. 
Sept.,  1851. 
January,  1852. 


June  25,  1851. 

June  25,  1851. 
June  25,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 
Nov.  1.  1852. 


31-2 
mo. 


31-2 


12 


12 


13-4 

3-4 
6 


45 


28 


60 


126 


150 


25 


84 
150 


37  67 
133 


so 


90 


170 


o0 


<  < 


40 


57 


2C 


139 

no 

vh. 

57 


oW 


18 


15 


11  75 
5  00 


9   27  50 


10  00 


6  23 

10 
4 


60  00 


5  00 
5  34 


23  76 


20 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 
TABULAR  VIEW. 


REMARKS 


19.  In  the  month  of  October  last  Mr.  Parkinson  was  dismissed,  and  no  missionary 
aid  lias  been  extended  to  Cape  Elizabeth,  or  applied  for,  since  that  time.  It  is  under- 
stood that  a  minister  of  excellent  character,  and  acceptable  to  the  people  in  that 
place,  might  have  been  obtained ;  but  sv>  small  was  the  amount  subscribed  among 
themselves  towards  his  support,  as  to  preclude  the  expectation  of  securing  his 
services. 

20.  "I  met,"  says  Mr.  Downs,  "with  a  cordial  welcome,  and  was  very  kindly 
treated  by  all  without  exception.  There  was  expressed  a  universal  satisfaction  with 
the  meetings  of  the  past  summer,  and  a  regret  that  they  could  not  be  continued 
during  the  winter." 

21.  "The  little  church  and  society  here  at  Cherryfield  (wrote  Mr.  Titcomb  under 
date  of  Nov.  15,  1851)  when  I  crime  among  them  were  barely  able  to  support  the 
Gospel,  with  the  amount  of  aid  they  obtained  from  the  Miss.  Soc.  They  were  hoping 
for  accessions  of  numbers  and  strength  to  enable  thcrn  to  go  on  and  make  some 
satisfactory  progress.  But  their  hopes  have  been  disappointed.  By  emigration  to 
California,  and  to  other  parts  of  the  country,  and  also  by  death,  they  have  lost  the 
presence  and  aid  of  7  or  8  families,  who  together  paid  Silo  for  the  support  of  the 
Gospel. — After  conferring  with  the  society,  it  was  thought  best,  on  the  whole,  that  I 
should  close  my  labors  among  them." 

22.  The  church  at  Fayette  has  been  weakened  very  much  by  deaths  and  removals, 
and  will  probably  in  future  worship  with  other  denominations.  —  Chcsterville  is 
expecting  to  be  supplied  together  with  Farniington  Falls. — Mr.  Conant  has  removed 
to  Monmouth,  and  is  under  engagement  to  preach  constantly  there  for  a  year  to  come. 

23.  For  account  of  a  revival  in  this  place  see  subsequent  page.  "  Our  house  of 
worship,"  writes  the  pastor  of  this  church,  "  has  become  too  narrow.  We  suffer  great 
inconvenience  for  want  of  a  meeting  house."  "The  parsonage  was  erected,"  says 
the  church  committee,  "and  nearly  finished,  last  year.  The  meeting  house  is  yet  in 
anticipation ;  but  we  hope  the  time  to  arise  and  build  is  not  far  distant." 

24.  One-third  of  the  members  of  this  church  are  non-resident.  During  the  year 
their  meeting  house  has  been  repaired. 

25.  Mr.  Morse  left  DixSeld  the  last  Sept.  after  two  years  of  useful  and  acceptable 
service  —  discouraged  by  the  want  of  greater  success  —  and  has  gone  to  one  of  the 
Western  States.  For  some  time  after  his  departure,  the  place  remained  destitute ; 
but  for  several  months  past  has  been  supplied  one  fourth  of  the  time  by  Mr.  Hopkins 
of  Rumford. 

26.  A  good  deal  of  religious  excitement  in  the  vicinity,  but  nothing  of  special 
interest  in  connection  with  the  labors  of  Mr.  Hills.  A  new  house  of  worship  is  going 
up  at  Plymouth,  at  the  expense  chiefly  of  those  who  are  attached  to  the  denomination 
which  he  represents. 

27.  A  very  neat  and  commodious  house  of  worship  has  been  completed  and  taken 
possession  of  during  the  year.  In  consequence  of  emigrations  however,  and  of  the 
opening  of  another  evangelical  meeting,  ^the  number  now  attending  on  Mr.  P.'s 
preaching  does  not  equal  what  it  was  two  years  ago.  Still  the  society  may  be  con- 
sidered in  a  prosperous  condition. 

28.  Good  attendance  upon  the  means  of  grace.  Better  observance  of  the  Sabbath. 
Some  hopeful  conversions.  Several  individuals  stand  ready  to  be  gathered  into  a 
church  at  Farniington  Falls,  but  the  number  of  male  members  would  be  so  small,  that 
it  has  not  been  thought  best  to  organize  one.  Mr.  Decring's  time  has  been  equally 
divided  between  the  two  places. 

3 


26 


MAItfB  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


TABULAR  VIEW* 


Churches  and  Missionaries. 


29.  Frankfort. 
Rev.  Stephen  Hayes,  P. 


39.  Frankfort  Mills. 
Mr.  Geo.  W.  Field. 
Mr.  Wm.  A.  Fobes. 

31.  Freeman. 

Phillips,  Bill,  Sec. 
Rev.  Henry  White. 


32.  Gardiner. 

Rev.  Win.  L.  Hyde,  P. 

33.  Garland. 
St.  Albans. 

Rev.  Peter  B.  Thayer. 


34.  Gouldsborottgh. 
Mr.  A.  R.  Mitchell. 


35.  Gray. 
Rev.  Allen  Lincoln,  P. 


36.  Harrison. 
Rev.  Charles  Packard,  P. 


37.  Hodgdon. 
monticello. 
New  Limerick. 
Linneus. 
Mr.  R.  W.  Emerson. 


38.  Isle  of  Haut. 
Rev.  Joshua  Eaton,  s,  s. 


Date  of 

Commission. 


June  2,5,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 
Sept.,  1851. 


July  16,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 
Sept.  25,  1851. 


May,  1852. 


June  25,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 
Jan.  14,  1852. 


June  25,  1851. 
Jan.,  1852. 


Oct.  25,  1851. 


12m 


12 


12 


100 


91 


31  50 

112 


28 


Jan.,  1852.   [Q 


150 


112 
112 


175 


150 


2;)0 


110 


50 


66 


75 


58 


97 


17 


27 


33  30 


17 


51  52 


11  15 
6 


41  62 


6  05 


40  00 


10  00 


25  00 


39  26 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  27 

TABULAR  VIEW. 

REMARKS. 


~2\).  The  pastor  of  this  church,  though  invited  to  another  place  some  few  months 
since  with  increase  of  salary,  and  other  circumstances  more  inviting,  ''could  not  feel 
it  his  duty  to  leave  this  poor  feeble  flock,  and  this  then  distracted  people."  And  now 
in  view  of  the  increased  attachment  of  friends,  the  softening  of  the  hearts  and 
melting  of  the  prejudices  of  enemies,  a  revived  spirit  of  prayer  anions;  the  members 
of  his  church,  an  increased  interest  in  the  Sabbath  School,  and  an  unusual  thought- 
fulness  on  some  minds  in  the  congregation,  his  "  hopes  arc  stronger  than  they  have 
been  for  years." 

30.  During  the  past  year  a  church  has  been  organized  in  this  place,  and  religious 
worship  constantly  maintained.  Should  they  succeed  in  obtaining  a  faithful  and 
acceptable  pastor,  there  is  a  very  encouraging  prospect  of  stability  and  growth. 

31.  One  Sabbath  in  four  was  spent  by  Mr.  White  on  Phillips  Hill,  and  another  in 
Freeman.  Meetings  in  these  places  were  well  attended.  Other  Sabbaths  were  spent 
* •  in  the  region  round  about."  One  Sabbath  at  Plantation  No.  2,  Somerset  Co.,  "a 
very  pleasant  and  refreshing  season  "  was  enjoyed  by  himself  and  others  "  in  a  barn." 
Several  destitute  families  were  supplied  by  him,  during  his  mission,  with  the  Bible. 

32.  A  good  state  of  feeling  reported  in  the  church.  "Somewhat  crippled  in 
pecuniary  strength  by  emigration  to  California.  Without  aid  from  the  Miss.  Soc.  wc 
should  long  since  have  ceased  to  exist ;  and  though  we  hope  to  be  drawing  nearer, 
year  after  year,  to  a  state  of  independence,  yet  we  cannot  now  support  the  Gospel, 
without  aid  from  abroad." 

33.  No  special  religious  interest  pervading  these  societies,  but  "  a  good  degree  of 
union  and  brotherly  love  in  the  church,  and  the  truth  received  always  with  respectful, 
and  sometimes  with  solemn  fixed  attention." 

34.  The  attention  of  the  Trustees  was  drawn  to  this  place  by  an  application  from 
a  pious  young  lady,  who  having  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth  while  visiting  in 
another  place,  and  having  there  known  the  benefit  of  a  constant  attendance"  on 
Gospel  ordinances,  felt  deeply  the  loss  of  them,  where  three-fourths  of  the  time  was 
no  preaching  and  very  few  persons  were  to  be  found  professing  godliness. — Mr.  Mitchell 
was  very  kindly  received,  more  than  half  the  expense  of  his  mission  was  paid  by  the 
people,  and  an  earnest  desire  expressed  for  his  return. 

35.  Considerable  expense  has  been  incurred  since  the  last  autumn  in  repairing  and 
pninting  the  meeting  house.  After  this  shall  have  been  defrayed,  it  is  hoped  that 
this  society  will  make  some  advances  towards  a  condition  of  self-support. 

36.  For  an  account  of  the  revival  in  this  place,  see  a  subsequent  part  of  the  Report. 
"The  ability  of  the  church  has  been  somewhat  reduced  during  the  past  year  by  the 
removal  of  some  of  its  members  to  other  towns  and  States.  The  immediate  prospect 
of  increase  in  this  particular  has  not  been  essentially  changed  by  the  revival — which 
has  been  confined  mostly  to  the  young." 

37.  "Our  meetings  in  connection  with  the  Methodists"  (at  Ilodgdon)  "are  fully 
attended.  Some  S  or  10  persons  have  indulged  a  hope  in  the  Savior;  most  if  not  all 
of  whom  incline  to  the  Methodists.  One  young  man  has  recently  joined  our  church. 
Very  little  regular  preaching  in  New  Limerick,  except  our  own.  —  Our  meetings  at 
Monlicello  are  well  attended."  —  During  the  last  6  months  Mr.  Emerson  has  not 
preached  in  Linneus. 

38.  "In  the  summer  the  men  are  nearly  all  at  sea.  —  The  cause  of  temperance  is 
onward.  —  The  Sabbath  School  is  small,  but  interesting  and  promising.  —  No  singers 
to  aid  in  public  worship.  —  No  one  to  help  in  conducting  social  meetings.  But  the 
Spirit  of  the  Lord  is  here.  Several  persons  serious  besides  those  whom  I  have 
reported  (some  3  or  4)  as  hopefully  converted.  Hope  to  find  by  and  by  materials 
for  a  Church," 


2S 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


TABULAR  VIEW. 


Churches  and  Missionaries. 


39.  Industry. 
Mercer. 

Mr.  John  Dinsmore. 

40.  Jackson. 
Thorndike. 

Rev.  Luther  "Wiswell,  P. 


41.  Kennebtjnkfort,  1st  p. 
Rev.  John  Baker,  P. 


42.  Kittery  Point. 
Rev.  Albert  W.  Fiske,  P. 


43.  Levant. 
Rev.  Charles  B.  Smith,  P. 


44.   LlMINGTON. 

Rev.  John  H.  Garman,  P. 


45.  Lincoln. 
Rev.  Alvan  J.  Bates,  P. 


46.  Lovell. 
Rev.  Selden  "Wentworth,  s.s 


Date  of 
Commission. 


Aug.  28,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 


June  25,  18-51. 


2mo 


12 


12 


12 


47.  Mactiiasport. 

Mr.  William  A.  Veale,  s.  s.  Oct.  20,  1851. 
|Jan.  14,  1852. 


12 


12 


11-2 
6 


28 


100 


100 


100 


St 


100 


250 


10,1 


I  :>i 


75 


20(1 


150 


75 


100 


42 
125 


75 


91 


71 


43 


45 


93 


69 


41 


oW 


2  70 


15  50 
34  50 


20  05 


20  00 


25  61 


11  85 


10  00 


9  00 


6  50 


25  00 


34  81 


20  00 


19  54 


6  00 


Maine  missionary  society.  29 

tabular  view. 

B  EM  ARKS. 


39.  Mr.  Dinsmore  was  well  received,  and  the  mi  rest  La  i  Increased,  while 
they  continued.  So  far  as  is  known,  they  have  had  no  other  Congregational  preaching 
al  industry  during  the  year. 

40.  At  Jackson  during  the  winter,  in  connection  with  "a  scries  of  meetings," 

{which  commenced  with  some  eight  or  ten  persons,  who  came  together  for  religious 
■worship,  and  concluded  to  meet  again)  "a  genuine  revival"  occurred,  by  which  the 
Church  was  greatly  revived,  and  ten  or  twelve  individuals  were  hopefully  renewed. 
The  influence  "  reached  out  to  those,  who  had  not  in  years  past  attended  meeting 
anv  where."  —  At  Thorndike  protracted  meetings  ware  held;  by  which  "  .1  good 
impression  was  made,  though  there  was  not  more  than  one  or  two  decided  conversions." 

41.  *'  For  the  last  few  months  there  has  been  considerable  increase  in  our  congre- 
gations upon  the  Sabbath.  —  The  spirit  of  Christian  benevolence  is  rising  in  the 
society ;  more  than  twice  as  much  having  been  contributed  for  charitable  purposes, 
as  during  any  previous  year." 

42.  The  congregation  has  been  somewhat  lessened  of  late  by  the  sickness  of  some 
individuals,  and  the  removal  of  some  families.  There  is  also  much  of  prejudice  and 
of  religious  apathy  in  the  community.  But  let  the  sound  preaching  of  the  Gospel  be 
steadily  maintained,  there  is  good  ground  for  expectation  that  this  ancient  church 
will  be  strengthened,  and  will  gradually  rise  to  a  condition  of  self-support. — After  a 
series  of  meetings,  very  spirited  and  fully  attended,  for  the  purpose  of  discussing  the 
Maine  Law,  an  overwhelming  majority  was  found  in  favor  of  maintaining  it. 

43.  Mr.  Smith's  labors  at  Levant  ceased  with  the  first  G  months  of  the  missionary 
year,  and  no  application  for  missionary  aid  has  been  received  since.  The  society  has 
been  weakened  by  the  removal  from  the  place  of  several  valuable  members.  In  the 
village  there  is  still,  it  is  supposed,  stated  evangelical  preaching  for  at  least  one  half 
of  the  time. 

41.  No  very  noticeable  change  has  occurred  during  the  past  year  in  the  condition 
of  tliis  people. — Under  date  of  June  14,  the  pastor  writes  "  yesterday,  which  was  our 
communion  season,  I  discovered  more  engagedness  and  devotion  among  Christians, 
and  of  interest  and  apparently  deep  feeling  in  the  congregation,  than  I  have  seen  for 
many  months  past.  I  could  not  but  hope  for  good.  Oh  for  a  breaking  down  of  this 
Church  and  people  before  God !     Oh  for  a  visitation  from  the  Most  High !  " 

-J ").  "  Our  neat  and  convenient  house  of  worship  "  (writes  the  pastor  of  the  Church 
at  Lincoln)  "which  was  completed  last  autumn  with  the  assistance  of  kind  friends 
abroad,  furnishes  us  with  at  least  one  way-mark,  from  which  we  can  look  back  and 
say,  hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  us.  Much  interest  has  been  maintained  during  the 
year  in  sustaining  the  institutions  of  religion,  especially  the  Sabbath  School.  Since 
the  sacrifice  was  made  to  build  a  house  of  worship,  liberality  to  the  minister  has 
increased,  and  a  more  careful  attention  has  been  given  to  the  preached  Word.  Our 
Church  conferences  are  always  interesting." 

4ti.  No  return  from  this  place.  It  is  understood  that  Mr.  Wentwortk's  labors  here 
have  ceased. 

47.  A  most  lamentable  state  of  apathy  in  relation  to  spiritual  filings,  internal  and 
external,  has  existed  in  Machiasport  for  several  years  past.  During  Mr.  Yeale's 
labors  in  the  place,  he  had  to  contend  not  only  with  this  evil,  but  with  the  evils 
occasioned  by  erroneous  teaching  and  fanatical  excitement.  He  appears  to  have 
labored  diligently,  and  for  a  time  with  encouraging  prospects  of  success.  "During 
the  last  part  of  his  mission  there  were  some  indications  of  good  among  the  members 
of  the  Church,  and  still  more  among  the  members  of  his  Bible  Class."  They  are 
expecting  to  be  supplied  for  half  the  tunc  during  the  year  to  come  by  the  Rev.  Mr, 
Bachcller. 

3* 


30 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


Tabular  view. 


Churches  and  Missionaries. 


48.  Madisox. 
South  Anson. 
Rev.  Thos.  G.  Mitchell,  s.s. 


49.  Mapee  Grove, 
(Letter  DJ 
Presque  Isle, 

(Letter  F,) 

Salmon  Brook. 

~  Rev.  Joshua  Eaton,  s. 

Rev.  Ephraim  Fobes. 


50.  Marshfield. 
northfield. 
"Whiting. 
Rev.  Gilman  Bacheller,  s.s. 


51.  Mechanic  Falls. 
Rev.  Enos  Merrill,  P. 


52.  Monson. 
Rer.  Horatio  Ilsley,  P. 
Vicinity  of  Monson. 


Date  of 
Commission. 


53.  Mount  Desert. 
Rev.  Samuel  Bowker. 


54.  Naples. 

Casco,  (  Webb's  Mills.) 
Mr.  John  Parsons. 


August',  1851. 
Oct.  27, 1851. 


June  25,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 
Jan.,  1852. 


Imo 
9 


Jan.  14,  1851. 


21-2 
21-4 


12 


28 
102 


12 


Aug.  19,  1851. 


100 


150 


100 
30 


GO 


125    35 
44 


lis 


10 


125   84 


125  114 


86 


no 
120!  ch. 
60  do. 


'$.S 

is 

fci 

o 

O.S 

o 

oW 

pq 

10  00 

11  00 

9  43 


34  00 


52  67 


12  00 


15  00 


50  00 


60  00 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  31 

TABULAR  VIEW. 

REMARKS. 


48.  "The  large  proportion  of  children  and  youth  in  Madison,  and  their  readiness 
to  attend  the  Sabbath  School,  afford  much  encouragement  to  labor  is  that  department. 

The  congregation  on  the  Sabbath  is  at  present  large.     The  sal  ating  drinks 

has   been   greatly  reduced,  and   the   prospect  now  is,   that  it  will  soon  be  entirely 
suppressed. 

40.  Of  the  19  Sabbaths,  spent  in  the  Aroostook  by  Messrs.  Eaton  and  Fobcs  ten 
were  at  Letter  D,  three  at  Letter  F,  and  three  at  Salmon  Brook — one  at  Houlton,  one 
at  Moluncus  on  the  military  road,  and  one  at  Letter  H. — In  the  church  at  Maple 
Grove  there  was  evidently  (Fcb'y  20th)  "an  improved  state  of  religious  feeling; 
better  than  had  existed  for  a  whole  year  previous."  In  general  "  the  people  com- 
plained of  the  state  of  religion  as  very  low."  —  At  Houlton  the  Congregal 
Church  has  been  very  much  weakened  by  removals.  But  one  male  member  remains. 
The  Sabbath  School  however  and  prayer  meetings  are  sustained,  and  they  are  supplied 
for  more  than  half  the  time  with  Baptist  and  Methodist  preaching. 

50.  For  several  years  discipline  in  the  Church  at  Northfield  "had  been  entirely 
neglected  until  the  fear  was,  that  to  attempt  it  would  destroy  the  Church."  At 
length  however  being  instructed,  that  "  this  was  the  onlv  thing  which  could  save  it 
from  extinction,  they  commenced  the  work  of  setting  the  house  of  God  in  order. 
From  that  time  Christians  seemed  to  awake  out  of  sleep.  During  the  winter  and  up 
to  the  present  time  the  interest  in  the  Church  has  increased.  There  have  been  a 
few  hopeful  conversions  and  others  are  anxious." — Mr.  B.  spent  14  weeks  at  Marsh- 
field,  and  4  at  Whiting. 

51.  "Almost  everything  indicates  progress,  except  the  pecuniary  condition  of  the 
society.  In  this  respect  it  has  but  little  strength.  The  aspect  of  the  congregation 
on  the  Sabbath  is  often  very  serious.  Several  persons  are  not  far  from  the  kingdom 
of  heaven,  and  some  of  them  it  is  believed  are  Christians,  though  they  do  not  join 
the  Church." 

52.  No  other  preaching  in  Monson  since  January  last,  but  that  of  Mr.  Ilsley.  A 
few  of  the  Baptist  Society  have  attended  upon  his  preaching. — The  Society  has  been 
greatly  weakened  by  the  emigration  of  its  young  people  to  'other  places  and  States, 
and  the  prospect  now  is,  that  such  will  continue  to  be  the  case.  Mr.  Ilsley  in  fulfill- 
ment of  a  special  mission  has  spent  two  Sabbaths  at  Atkinson,  and  one  at  Greenville* 

53.  "  A  great  field  having  great  wants.  One  hundred  families  connected  with  the. 
Congregational  society  in  this  and  the  adjacent  islands,  in  five  different  towns.  Six 
Sabbath  Schools,  and  as  many  Bible  Classes  are  well  sustained,  in  connection  with 
other  denominations.  The  temperance  cause  has  received  a  fresh  impulse.  The 
Congregational  interest  in  this  place  has  evidently  been  declining  for  some  time. 
Many  however  hold  fast  the  form  of  sound  words,  and  love  the  institutions  of  the 
Gospel.  A  beautiful  Church  edifice  is  now  in  process  of  erection  in  the  most  im- 
portant and  central  location  on  the  island.  The  day  star  of  promise  and  strength 
seems  to  be  rising  upon  this  people,  and  it  is  believed  that  when  some  cxistTn"- 
difficulties  shall  be  removed,  they  will  find  themselves  able  and  willing  to  provide 
entirely  for  their  own  wants." 

54.  In  neither  of  these  places  has  a  Congregational  Church  been  organized  —  but 
there  are  Church  members  in  loth  of  them,  and  favorable  openings  for  the  introduction 
of  Congregational  preaching. 


32 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


TABULAR  VIEW. 


Churches  and  Missionaries. 


5.  Newfield. 
Rev.  Edmund  Burt,  P. 


56.  New  Vineyard. 
Kingfield. 

Rev.  David  Turner,  P. 

57.  Norway. 

Rev.  Harrison  "W.  Strong,  s.s. 


58.  Number  Eleven,  &c. 
Rev.  Marcus  R.  Keep,  s.  s. 


59.  Oldtown. 
Rev.  Sam'l  H.  Merrill,  P. 


60.  Orland. 
Rev.  Hiram  Houston,  P. 


61.  Orono. 
Rev.  L.  Ives  Hoadley,  P. 


62.  Orrington. 
Rev.  Franklin  Davis,  s.  s. 


63.  Oxford. 

"West  Minot. 
Rev.  Isaac  Carlton,  P. 
Rev.  Thos.  G.  Mitchell, 

For  West  Minot. 


Date  of 
Commission. 


June  25,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 


Jan.  14,  1852. 


June  25,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 
Jan.  14,  1852. 


Jun«  25,  1851. 
March,  1852. 


June  25,  1851. 
Sept.,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 


12i 


12 


12 


12 


12 
3-4 


100 


123 


250 


no 


100 


50 


175 


75 
75  100 


134 
66 


126 
21 


150 


75 


07 


105 


22 


27 


39 


57 


J2 

6w 


14  70 


Pn 


17  50 


9  00 


25 


10  00 


30  00 


16  00 


18  07 


35  00 


15  00 


9  50 
1  50 


.MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  33 

TABULAR  TJEW. 

REMARKS. 


55.  "  Things  remain  with  us  much  as  they  have  been,  with  the  exception,  that  there 
is  now  some  prospect  that  the  parsonage  buildings  will  be  removed  and  refitted  at 
the  village  near  the  meeting  house,  which  it  is  proposed  to  paint  at  the  same  time — 
at  an  expense  of  from  $500  to  $600,  which  will  be  a  pretty  heavy  outlay  for  this 
people."  —  Not  more  heavy  than  it  will^do  them  good  to  "make."  There  is  that 
scattereth,  and  yet  incrcasc'th ;  and  there  is  that  withholdcth  more  than  is  meet,  and 
it  tendeth  to  poverty. 

56.  "Things  appear  a  little  more  encouraging  than  they  have  appeared  for  some 
time  past.     Some  of  the  best  members  have  moved  away." 

67-  Nothing  of  very  special  interest  reported.  —  The  meeting  house,  to  which  the 
most  of  Mr.  Strong's  Sabbath  services  have  been  confined,  is  at  the  distance  of  some 
three  miles  from  the  village.  A  strong  desire  has  been  expressed  there  for  Congrega- 
tional preaching,  and  it  is  much  to  be  desired,  that  such  arrangements  may  be  made, 
as  shall  unite  all  in  the  town  who  are  friendly  to  our  denomination,  in  vigorous  and 
persevering  effort  to  sustain  the  institutions  of  the  Gospel. 

58.  "Two  worthy  young  men  (at  No.  11)  communicants  of  our  denomination. 
There  is  more  seriousness  in  this  place,  (June  14)  than  I  ever  knew  before.  Last 
Sabbath  the  congregation  was  the  largest  I  ever  knew  there  on  a  common  occasion, — 
between  80  and  90 ;  and  at  Masardis  almost  every  inhabitant — perhaps  70  or  more. 
The  Sabbath  School  at  No.  11  consists  of  45  and  upwards.  The  people  arc  expecting 
to  raise  for  Mr.  Keep  $200  for  three-fourths  of  the  time,  or  $150  for  one  half. 

59.  "  In  respect  to  the  cause  of  education  and  intelligence  more  especially  among 
the  young — in  respect  to  temperance,  to  attendance  on  public  worship  —  to  the  pecu- 
niary ability,  and  sound  reliability  of  those  who  contribute  to  support  the  Gospel — 
there  has  been  a  decided  improvement.  In  addition  to  all  this  there  has  been  within 
the  last  two  or  three  months  an  unusual  degree  of  religious  feeling  among  the  people, 
and  three  we  hope  have  passed  from  death  unto  life." 

60.  Yery  little  contributed  in  this  place  towards  the  support  of  the  ministry,  except 
by  Church  members.  "They  have  not  been  accustomed  to  give,  and  do  not  know 
how  blessed  it  is."  —  Th?re  are  in  this  field  manifest  indications  of  progress,  though 
no  special  religious  interest  is  reported.  —  "Three  years  ago  there  was  but  little 
preaching  here  of  any  kind,  and  when  they  had  any,  hot  so  many  attended  (usually) 
as  we  now  have  in  the  Sabbath  School  —  though  now  there  arc  two  other  Sabbath 
Schools  in  the  place  and  two  other  meetings  of  different  denominations.  Much 
interest  has  been  felt  in  favor  of  the  Maine  Law.  Some  victims  of  intemperance  have 
been  reclaimed." 

61.  Nothing  of  special  interest  reported,  except  the  hopeful  conversion  of  two 
individuals. 

62.  "  Our  hope  for  the  increase  and  growth  of  this  Church  is  in  the  young.  They 
come  in  from  families,  not  heretofore  favorable  to  the  cause  of  religion,  and  arc 
connected  with  our  Sabbath  School,  and  seem  to  be  interested. — The  three  cases,  that 
have  occurred  of  hopeful  conversion,  are  all  from  the  Sabbath  School." 

63.  "The  state  of  things  at  Oxford  is  less  encouraging  than  it  was  a  year  ago." 
Of  the  47  Church  members,  21  are  non-resident.  The  Sabbath  School  consists  of"  but 
20.  No  provision  has  yet  been  made  for  the  support  of  preaching  for  another  year. 
At  "West  Minot  "  things  are  much  more  encouraging."  The  last  Sabbath  in  May  the 
congregation  consisted  of  nearly  200.  They  have  a  Sabbath  School  of  about  80 
scholars. 


34 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


TABULAR  VIEW. 


Churches  and  Missionaries. 


64.  Passadumkeag. 

Holland. 
Mr.  ¥m.  A.  Merrill,  s.  $. 


65.  Patten. 

Adjacent  Plantations. 
Rev.  Charles  Soule. 


66.  Phillips. 
New  Portland. 

Rev.  S.  L.  Gould. 

67.  PlTTSTON. 

Rev.  Joshua  S.  Gay,  P. 


68.  Poland. 

Rev.  Stephen  Gould,  P. 

69.  Rumford. 

DlXFIELD. 

Rev.  E.  S.  Hopkins,  P. 


70.  Sanpord. 
Rev.  Albert  Cole,  s.  s. 


71.  Sebec. 
Milo. 
Mr.  S.  II.  Partridge,  s.  s. 


72.  Sedgwick.. 
Rev.  Daniel  L.  French. 
Mr.  Talmon  C.  Perry,  s.  s. 


73.  Skowhegan. 
Rev.  Asa  T.  Loring,  s.  s. 


Date  of 
Commission. 


August  28,  '51, 
March,  185* 


October,  1851. 
Jan.  14,  1852. 


April  28,  1852. 
October,  1851. 

June  25,  1851. 
June  25,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 
March,  1852. 


Aug.  28,  1851. 
Nov.,  1851. 
Feb.,  1852. 


6mo 
4 


June  25,  1851.  9 
April,  1852.      |3 


June  25,  1851.  12 


3-4 

3 
3 


100 
67 


56 
67 

50 
100 


150 
42 


10i  i 


125 


75 


100 


75175 


21 


G2 


55 


29 


22 


dW 


10 


2  25 


21  50 


20  00 
4 


41  50 


7  60 


48  00 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  35 

T  VIH  L  VR   VIEW. 

REMARKS. 


t-l.  Sabbath  Schools  interesting  and  prosperous. — The  Maine  Law  is  enforced  here 
(in  P.)  and  works  admirably." — "  The  memhers  of  the  church  arc  harmonious  and 
united  in  all  their  efforts  to  support  and  extend  the  gospel." 

65.  Mr.  Soule's  labors  have  been  divided  between  ratten  and  five  neighboring  plan- 
tations, embracing  in  all  about  200  families.  But  few  of  these  can  lie  considered 
Congregational  families.  At  Patten  however  the  attendance  on  Mr.  S.'s  preaching 
has  been  at  times  quite  encouraging.  "  The  academy  opened  this  spring  with  70 
scholars.  An  intelligent  population  is  coming^  up  there  with  but  little  evangelical 
preaching." — It  is  expected  that  Mr.  Soule  will  spend  the  summer  and  autumn  in 
this  region. 

66.  Prospects  (in  Phillips)  brightening  somewhat,  since  Mr.  Gould  commenced  his 
labors — "  The  church  in  New  Portland  feeble  and  prostrate.  But  one  male  member 
in  the  place  and  at  home,  who  is  able  to  do  anything  for  the  support  of  preaching." 

67.  The  two  churches  in  this  place  retain  their  separate  organization,  but  worship 
together.  A  third  meeting  is  sustained  every  other  Sabbath  in  the  village,  being  held 
by  the  kindness  of  the  Methodist  society,  in  their  vestry,  and  is  well  attended.  The 
people  are  gradually  rising,  it  is  believed,  from  an  unhappy  state  of  disunion,  and  will 
again  find  themselves,  should  things  go  on  peaceably  and  prosperously,  both  able  and 
willing,  without  foreign  aid,  to  support  the  institutions  of  religion.  But  that  time 
has  not  yet  come. 

68.  Some  indications  of  progress  during  the  ministry  of  the  present  pastor. 

69.  Of  the  71  members  of  the  church  in  Rumford  but  sixty  live  in  the  place,  and  of 
these  13  are  seventy  years  old,  or  more,  and  seldom  if  ever  attend  meeting.  "  Within 
two  years  a  crrcat  change  has  taken  place  in  regard  to  intemperance.  Efforts  made  in 
connection  with  the  Maine  Law  have  driven  intoxicating  drinks  pretty  effectually  from 
the  place.  This  change  has  not  been  effected  without  considerable  excitement.  The 
church  have  not  been  all  of  one  mind  in  regard  to  measures,  nor  principles. — I  hope 
and  trust  we  shall  see  brighter  times  by  and  by. 

70.  Nothing  of  special  interest  reported  from  this  place.  Should  there  be  a  renewal 
and  increase  of  manufacturing  operations  the  society  at  Sanford  may  soon  become  a 
self-supporting  establishment ;  but  should  these  continue  to  decline,  the  society  will 
scarcely  gain  strength. 

71.  Mr.  P.'s  labors  at  Milo  closed  with  the  first  of  April  ;  and  his  own  opinion  is, 
that  it  will  not  be  advisable  to  make  a  new  appropriation  at  present  for  Sebcc.  Both 
these  churches  are  feeble,  and  the  number  of  families  attached  to  our  denomination 
is  very  small.  In  both  places  their  strength  has  been  weakened  by  emigration.  In 
the  village  of  Scbec  8  or  9  houses  are  now  vacant,  and  at  Milo  no  church  members 
remain,  but  females. 

72.  Nothing  of  special  interest  reported.  The  congregation  has  been  composed  in 
part  of  persons  of  other  denominations. 

73.  "  The  number  of  young  people  in  the  congregation  has  within  a  few  years  been 
greatly  increased.  Several  young  men,  never  before  in  the  Bible  Class,  have  recently 
joined  in  it — We  have  suffered,  in  common  with  most  other  communities  in  our  State, 
from  the  California  mania,  in  the  emigration  of  citizens,  and  in  draining  the  country 
of  money,  as  well  as  in  greatly  depressing  business." 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


TABULAR  VIEW. 


Churches  and  Missionaries. 


71.  Springfield. 

Lee  and  Carroll. 
Rev.  Alvan  J.  Bates. 
Mr.  Stephen  L.  Bowler. 


75.  Standish. 
Rev.  James  B.  Hadley,  P. 


76.  Strong. 
Rev.  Wm.  Davenport,  s.  s. 


77.  Sumner. 
Hartford. 
Rev.  Benj.  G.  Wiley,  s.  $. 


78.  Sweden. 

Rev.  Isaac  AVeston,  s.  s. 


79.  Temple. 

Rev.  Simeon  Hackett,  s.  s. 


80.  Turner. 

Rev.  John  Dodd,  s.  s. 


81.  Union. 

Rev.  Sam'l  Bowker,  P. 
Mr.  Daniel  F.  Potter,  s.  s. 


82.  Unity. 
Rev.  Charles  Temple,  s.  s* 


Date  of 
Commission. 


June  25,  1851. 
Aug.  28,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 
Jan.  14,  1852. 


June  25,  1851. 

June  25,  1851. 
Aug.  1,  1851. 
June  25,  1851. 

June  25,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 
Sept.,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 
Jan.  14,  1852. 


mos 
13-4 
2 


12 


12 


12 


12 


12 


60 


150  125 


100 


130 


100  100 


100  100 


:■; 


100 
100 


a 

a 

"7 

,6 
O 

u 

ft 

<u 

>, 

S^> 

— 

,a 

rd 

>d 

OJ 

o> 

— 1 

— 

t! 

— 

< 

< 

19 


100 


90 


i.-)() 


58 


66 


85 


35 


83 


87 


■CS 


oM 


ft 


2    1 


39 


16 


2o 


23  00 


8  15 


18 


9  75 


11  63 


25  00 


14  38 


33  58 


21  50 


14  00 


26  8L 


5  15 


15  00 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  37 

TABULAR  VIEW. 


REMARKS 


74.  In  this  missionary  field  is  a  Congregational  church  of  19  members  scattered 
through  three  towns.  "  The  people  are  generally  poor,  and  could  do  Qothing,  accept 
in  the  way  of  board.  I  was  received,"  savs  Mr.  Bowler,  ••  very  kindly,  and  much 
gratitude  was  expressed  both  to  the  M.  M.  S.  and  to  myself."  Iii  Carroll  '•  there  had 
been  meetings  for  religious  worship  on  two  Sabbaths  only  during  the  season." 

Two  Sabbaths  (out  of  eight)  were  spent  by  Mr.  Bowler  with  the  Kenduskeag  Union 
Parish,  who  worship  in  a  meeting  house  recently  erected  4  1-2  miles  from  Bangor, 
in  the  vicinity  of  Glenburn,  where  is  a  small  Congregational  church. 

75.  Sabbath  School  very  interesting. — Some  danger  that  the  minister  of  this  people 
will  be  under  the  necessity  of  leaving  them,  for  want  of  a  house  to  live  in. 

76.  Never  so  much  union  in  the  church  and  society,  since  the  present  mission  com- 
menced, six  years  ago,  as  now  exists. — A  better  attendance  and  more  interest  in  the 
Sabbath  School,  and  Bible  Class,  than  ever  before. — More  done  on  the  subject  of 
temperance  within  six  months — than  for  15  years  before,  all  put  together.  Decided 
ground  taken  in  favor  of  the  new  law,  and  the  prospect  is  good  of  its  being  well  at- 
tended to.  Have  felt  for  several  mouths,"  says  Mr.  D.,  "that  this  would  help  in 
leading  on  to  a  revival  of  religion." 

77.  Meetings  well  attended.  The  people  act  in  religious  things  from  principle. 
They  do  well  according  to  theirmeans  in  sustaining  the  gospel,  and  are  hoping  soon 
to  take  themselves  off  from  the  patronage  of  the  Missionary  Society." 

Mr.  H.  preaches  one  fourth  of  the  time  in  Hartford,  where  is  a  population  of  1200 — 
and  but  one  minister  in  the  town,  in  the  80th  year  of  his  age. 

78.  "  There  are  those  in  this  place  who  highly  appreciate  the  ordinances  of  the 
gospel,  and  your  aid ;  and  who  love  the  truth,  the'good  old-fashioned  doctrines  of  the 
Bible." 

79.  Thirty  members  of  the  church  now  resident.— A  good  Sabbath  School,  the  only 
one  in  town. — "  Few  and  feeble  as  this  church  are,  not  having  a  single  man  of  wealth 
to  aid  them,  and  not  more  than  16  male  members  of  the  church,  [resident]  together 
with  a  few  young  men  of  scanty  means  out  of  the  church,  they  feci  that  they  cannot 
live  without  the  gospel.  Shall  they  not  look  to  your  society"  again  for  help,  as  in 
times  past?" 

80.  The  church  in  this  place  is  largely  composed  of  aged  and  infirm  persons. — They 
arc  widely  scattered,  and  can  seldom  meet  together,  except  on  the  Sabbath.  The 
meeting  house  is  unfavorably  situated  for  the  enlargement  of  the  congregation,  and  is 
in  need  of  repairs,  such  as  the  society  are  scarcely  able  to  make. — During  the'  year  a 
pressing  call  from  a  neighboring  church  was  declined  by  Mr.  Dodd,  "solely  from 
regard  to  their  earnest  and  united  desire  that  he  should  remain  with  them." 

"81.  The  most  hopeful  sign  with  us  is  the  progressive  state  of  the  Sabbath  School. 
The  Maine  Law  has  been  sustained,  and  in  several  instances  executed,  which  has  a 
good  effect  on  the  trade,  and  on  the  community.  The  eleven  persons  added  to  the 
church  were  the  fruits  of  a  revival,  reported  the'last  year." 

82.  The  state  of  things  in  Unity  during  the  past  year  has  been  materially  improved 
Not  only  has  there  been  an  increased  attendance  at  the  sanctuary,  and  in  the  Sabbath 
School,  but  it  has  pleased  God  to  grant  the  convincing  and  converting  influences  of 
His  Spirit.  In  a  letter  of  May  23d,  18  arc  reported  as'  cherishing  a  hope,  and  several 
others  as  in  an  inquiring  state  of  mind.  Mr.  Temple  has  recently  been  called  to 
another  field — at  Monticello,  111.— and  has  already  taken  his  departure. 


38 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


TABULAR  VIEW. 


Churches  and  Missionaries. 


83.  Vassalborough. 
Sidney. 

North  Augusta. 
Rev.  David  Thurston,  s.  s. 


84.  "Washington. 
Windsor. 

Branch  Mills. 
Kev.  Nathan  W.  Sheldon.s., 


85.  Watertille. 
Rev.  R.  B.  Thurston,  P. 


86.  Weld. 
Carthage. 

Rev.  J.  B.  Wheelwright,  P 

87.  "Whitneytixle. 
jonesborough. 
"Whiting. 

Mr.  George  S.  Kemp. 


8.  Wilton. 
Rev.  Benj.  Dodge,  s.  s. 


89.  "Winslow. 
Rev.  David  Shepley,  s.  a. 


90.  York,  2d  Parish. 
Rev.  Morris  Holman,  P. 


Date  of 
Commission. 


Oct.  15,  1851. 


9mo 


June  25,  1851.  6 


June  25,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 


Aug.  28,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 


Sept.  15,  1851. 


June  25,  1851. 


12 


12 


23-4 


[2 


10 


12 


75 


01 


150 


77 


150 


150 


150 


100 


62 


28 


83100   60 


84100   29 


20 


oM 


10  43 
10  00 
8  42 


13  00 


■10 


16  45 


11  10 


18  92 


17  50 


24  00 


15  00 


13  35  00 


16  00  25  00 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  39 

TABULAR  VIEW. 

REMARKS. 


83.  In  this  whole  field  it  is  a  day  of  small  things.  But  in  connection  with  the 
abundant  faithful  labors  of  one  who,  though  advanced  in  years,  has  still  a  mind  to 
work,  and  ability  in  the  outward  and  inward  man  to  work  well,  the  prospect  is  in  some 
degree  brightening. 

84.  So  little  progress  had  been  made  in  this  missionary  field,  and  so  discouraging 
was  the  prospect  for  the  future,  that  it  was  not  thought  advisable,  at  the  close  of  Mr. 
S.'s  mission  for  the  first  6  months  of  the  year,  to  continue  the  effort.  A  strong 
desire  has  been  expressed  by  some  individuals  in  Washington,  that  he  should  labor 
with  them  again. 

85.  "The  number  of  families  in  the  congregation,  and  the  attendance,  have  been 
diminished  by  the  opening  of  another  place  of  worship  by  the  Methodists. — The  death 
of  Dr.  Thayer  was  a  severe  bereavement.  No  other  member  would  be  missed  so  much 
from  our  pecuniary  efforts,  and  from  our  social  meetings. — The  revival  does  not  at 
present  promise  to  hasten  the  time  of  our  self-support." 

For  an  account  of  the  revival  see  a  subsequent  part  of  this  Report. 

86.  "  Some  very  interesting  conversions.  There  is  at  present  (June  4)  a  solemnity 
resting  on  some  minds,  and  a  revival  spirit  in  the  hearts  of  some  members  of  the 
church. — The  ordinance  of  infant  baptism  is  gaining  ground  in  the  church. — A  deep 
impression  has  been  made  upon  the  community  by  the  death  of  an  honored  and 
devoted  brother.    We  feel  that  we  are  a  dying  people." 

87-  During  the  last  week  of  Mr.  Kemp's  residence  in  Whitneyville  there  were  very 
encouraging  indications  of  the  gracious  presence  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Several  young 
persons  were  deeply  concerned ;  one  before  he  left,  and  another  a  few  days  after, 
expressed  a  hope  in  Christ. — In  Jonesborough  and  Whiting  each,  he  spent  but  a  single 
Sabbath. 

88.  Number  of  stated  hearers  somewhat  increasing.  More  marked  attention  to 
preaching.  Prejudices  wearing  away.  Interest  in  the  Sabbath  School  increasing. 
A  promising  Bible  Class  of  adults.  One  family,  of  whom  4  were  church  members, 
has  removed  to  Mass.  Pecuniary  ability  of  the  church  about  the  same.  Progress  in 
the  temperance  cause  very  good. 

89.  The  past  three  months  much  effort  was  made  "  to  bring  about  peace  in  the 
church,  withoutthe  exclusion  of  any  of  its  members."  But  this  was  found  "impracti- 
cable." During  the  winter  much  time  and  interest  were  devoted  to  cases  of  discipline, 
in  the  settlement  of  which  the  church  acted  harmoniously,  and  with  less  of  evil  re- 
sulting, than  had  been  feared. — "  During  the  spring  months  Christians  have  seemed 
quickened,  and  more  of  thoughtfulness  has  appeared  at  times  in  some  of  the  impen- 
itent.    The  interest  in  the  Sabbath  School  is  very  satisfactory." 

90.  Twenty  dollars  have  been  raised  for  repairs  and  improvements  on  the  parsonage. 
At  one  time  during  the  year  strong  hopes  were  entertained  that  the  Lord  would  appear 
in  His  glory  and  build  up  Zion.  But  just  then,  when  "  extra  labor"  was  called  for, 
and  "  would  gladly  have  been  performed,"  the  pastor  was  (for  a  short  season)  visited 
with  sickness. — "  Some  improvement  is  visible  from  year  to  year." 


40  MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


SUMMABY. 


The  fields,  in  which  our  missionaries  have  labored  during 
the  year,  have  been  90 — the  same  in  number  as  the  year  pre- 
ceding— comprising  107  churches,  and  from  30  to  35  towns 
and  plantations,  without  a  church.  Of  the  140  places,  con- 
tained in  these  missionary  fields,  40  have  been  supplied  the 
whole  time ;  6  three-fourths,  6  two-thirds,  20  one-half,  10  one- 
third,  and  16  one-fourth. 

The  whole  number  of  missionaries  employed  has  been  95, 
(last  year  90,)  of  whom  75  have  been  ordained  ministers,  and 
20  licentiates.  Fifty-eight  have  been  in  commission  for  the 
year,  fifteen  from  6  months  to  10,  six  from  3  months  to  6,  and 
sixteen  for  shorter  periods.  The  whole  amount  of  service  has 
been  equal  to  70  years,  and  that  portion  of  it,  for  which  they 
have  been  remunerated  by  this  society,  to  27  years  nearly. 
Seven  missionary  pastors  and  stated  supplies  (of  whom  three 
have  gone  from  the  State)  have  left  their  fields  of  labor,  and 
three  have  been  installed,  as  pastors  of  missionary  ehurches. 

The  average  number  of  persons,  attending  on  public  worship 
in  all  the  assemblies,  to  which  our  missionaries  have  preached, 
may  have  exceeded  somewhat,  12,000.  The  number  of  per- 
sons, added  to  the  churches  aided  by  this  society  during  the 
year,  has  been,  by  profession  120,  by  letter  50,  in  all  170.  The 
whole  number  of  members  at  the  present  time  is  4,590,  of 
which,  however,  a  very  considerable  proportion  are  non-resi- 
dents.    The  hopeful  conversions  reported  are  202. 

The  contributions  during  the  year,  so  far  as  reported,  have 
been  $2,223-96 ;  to  the  Maine  Missionary  Society  $1,369-76; 
for  other  objects  $854-20 ;  being  in  all  about  one-fifth  of  what 
they  have  received. 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  41 

IMPROVEMENT. 

Some  cheering  indications  of  improvement  may  be  noticed 
in  the  organization  of  a  new  church  at  Frankfort  Mills  with 
fair  prospects  of  stability  and  growth ;  in  the  erection  of  new 
houses  of  worship  at  Foxcroft,  Lincoln,  Mount  Desert  and 
Plymouth  ;  and  in  the  repairing  of  old  ones  at  Benton,  Frank- 
fort, Gray,  and  Newfield. — "  Three  years  ago"  writes  the  pastor 
of  the  church  at  Orland,  "  there  was  but  little  preaching  here 
of  any  kind ;  and  when  they  had  any,  not  so  many  attended 
usually,  as  we  now  have  in  the  Sabbath  School ;  though  now 
there  are  two  other  Sabbath  Schools  in  the  place,  and  two 
other  meetings  of  different  denominations." — During  the  year 
two  of  our  missionary  pastors  were  invited  to  other  places  with 
assurances  of  a  more  liberal  salary,  and  prospects  more  encour- 
aging of  future  enlargement.  But  they  considered  it  their  duty 
to  remain  and  trust  the  event  with  God.  And  now  in  view  of 
the  increased  attachment  of  friends,  the  softened  hearts  and 
lessened  prejudices  of  enemies,  the  deeper  feeling  and  the  re- 
vived spirit  of  prayer  in  the  church,  and  the  universal  thought- 
fulness  evinced  by  some  of  the  congregation,  the  "hopes" 
entertained  by  one  of  these  pastors  "  that  God  has  designs  of 
mercy  and  will  yet  redeem  from  this  community  a  people  to 
serve  Him,  are  stronger  than  they  have  been  for  years." — Other 
indications  of  progress  may  be  found  in  the  Tabular  View. 

It  does  not  belong  to  any  human  enterprize  to  be  uniformly, 
and  in  every  particular  successful.  Reverses  and  disappoint- 
ments are  sometimes  experienced  by  those,  who  labor  to  build 
up  the  Kingdom  of  Christ.  Scarcely  anywhere  in  the  State 
has  a  deeper  interest  been  shown,  or  more  zealous  and  perse- 
vering endeavors  been  made,  than  by  a  faithful  few  in  the  town 
of  Cherryfield.  For  nearly  four  years  they  were  blessed  with 
the  continued  services  of  one,  in  whom  they  had  entire  confi- 
dence, and  who  was  willing  to  remain  with  them,  until  duty 
should  manifestly  require  his  departure.  In  November  last  he 
thus  wrote.  "  The  little  church  and  society  at  Cherryfield, 
when  I  came  among  them  were  barely  able  to  support  the 

4* 


42  MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 

Gospel  with  the  aid  which  they  obtained  from  the  Missionary 
Society.  They  were  hoping  for  accessions  of  numbers  and 
strength,  to  enable  them  to  go  on  and  make  some  satisfactory 
progress.  Their  hopes  have  been  disappointed.  By  emigra- 
tion to  California,  and  other  parts  of  the  country  and  also  by 
death,  they  have  lost  the  presence  and  aid  of  seven  or  eight 
families,  who  together  paid  $115  for  the  support  of  the  Gospel. 
They  have  been  behind-hand  fcr  the  year  just  closed,  and  feel 
unable  to  sustain  me  for  the  future.  After  conferring  with  the 
society  it  was  thought  best  on  the  whole,  that  I  should  close 
my  labors  among  them.     I  have  accordingly  done  so." 

In  a  few  instances  the  Trustees  have  been  induced  to  grant 
increased  appropriations  for  the  benefit  of  Churches,  that  were 
not  able  to  retain  their  ministers  with  the  amount  of  help  pre- 
viously afforded.  In  only  one  instance  has  the  appropriation 
been  diminished;  and  that  was  to  a  society,  which  had  hoped 
to  dispense  with  our  assistance  altogether.  So  far  as  appears 
from  the  applications  already  received,  the  same  amount  of  aid 
is  desired  by  almost  every  Church,  for  the  coming  year,  as  it 
has  received  for  the  year  past.  This  fact  we  regret,  and  yet 
we  know  not  how  for  the  present  to  bring  up  the  Churches 
assisted  to  a  higher  degree  of  liberality ;  nor  should  we  with- 
out extreme  reluctance  withhold  assistance  from  those,  who  tell 
us  that  they  are  not  able  themselves  to  support  the  institutions 
of  the  Gospel,  but  feel  that  they  cannot  live  without  them. 

Perhaps  in  no  better  way  can  the  whole  story  be  told,  with 
respect  to  many  of  those  places,  to  which  the  aid  of  this  So- 
ciety is  extended,  than  in  the  following  extract  from  the  annual 
report  of  one  of  our  missionaries  laboring  in  the  interior,  in 
one  of  the  oldest  portions  of  the  State. 

"  Though  I  can  discover  no  prospect  of  self-support,  yet  I 
believe  that  this  people  must  not  be  neglected.  One  of  our 
Savior's  last  commands  was,  feed  my  sheep ;  and  this  Church, 
as  it  seems  to  me,  must  not  be  left  to  perpetual  desolation.  It 
is  a  light,  shining  in  a  dark  place,  and  it  would  be  wrong  to 
extinguish  it,     The  children  too,  those  especially  of  Christian 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  43 

parents,  respecting  whom  such  precious  promises  are  given, 
must  be  trained  up  for  God.  But  I  do  not  sec  how  this  people 
can  have  the  privileges  of  the  Gospel  without  missionary  aid — 
equal  to  that  which  they  have  been  receiving.  My  reasons  for 
this  opinion  are  the  following.  And  first  of  all,  this  people 
[generally  speaking]  know  not  how  to  deny  themselves,  as 
some  have  done.  They  have  not  faith  enough  to  carry  them 
through  it.  The  spirit  that  actuated  the  poor  widow,  when 
she  cast  in  her  mites  into  the  treasury  of  the  Lord,  is  evidently 
wanting.  And  this  is  the  one  great  thing,  which  keeps  them 
back,  and  prevents  progress  in  this  respect,  as  well  as  in  others. 
Those  on  whom  the  burden  of  supporting  the  Gospel  chiefly 
falls,  as  a  general  thing,  do  all  that  they  are  able.  But  they 
have  become  somewhat  discouraged.  They  have  long  been 
obliged  to  feed,  clothe  and  warm  (so  to  speak)  those,  who  ap- 
pear insensible  to  the  privileges  conferred  upon  them,  and  who 
do  but  little  if  anything  to  retain  them,  while  some  are  em- 
ploying all  their  powers  to  thwart  this  society  in  all  their  pur- 
poses. You  may  be  assured,  that  the  struggle  of  this  feeble 
society  is  a  hard  one.  The  scarcity  of  money  is  another 
barrier.  This  is  not  a  business  place  ;  and  there  are  not  those 
facilities  for  obtaining  ready  money,  which  are  found  in  most 
communities,  as  large  and  as  old  as  this. — Another  thing  that 
operates  very  much  against  this  society  is  the  constant  emigra- 
tion of  the  young  people.  As  soon  as  they  are  old  enough  to 
begin  to  transact  business  for  themselves,  they  leave  this  place 
for  other  localities.  In  this  way  we  lose  the  very  hope  of 
society.  I  have  sometimes  wondered  how  this  society  has 
been  sustained  so  long.  It  would  have  died  out  long  ago,  had 
it  not  been  for  the  care  and  goodness  of  God.  —  The  chief 
source  of  discouragement  is  the  low  state  of  religion  in  the 
midst  of  us.  This  it  is,  that  under  God  prevents  prosperity 
external  and  internal.  I  have  long  inquired  with  great  anxiety, 
Why,  O  Lord,  is  thy  Spirit  withheld  from  this  people  ?  why 
must  this  branch  of  thy  Zion  languish  ?  Some  good,  I  trust, 
is  accomplished.     Christians  are  fed  and  comforted;  and  seed 


44  MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 

is  sown,  which  will  at  some  future  period  spring  up  and  bear 
fruit  to  the  glory  of  God.  Occasionally  a  soul  is  hopefully 
converted  to  God,  which  is  an  occasion  for  rejoicing  and  a 
ground  of  encouragement.  Most  of  our  young  people  go 
away  unconverted  to  God,  but  they  go  the  most  of  them  from 
this  sanctuary  and  the  Sabbath  School,  and  I  cannot  but  hope, 
that  the  event  will  prove  that  labor  has  not  been  bestowed  upon 
them  in  vain.  I  often  hear  of  their  regularity  of  conduct,  and 
their  attendance  at  the  house  of  God  and  the  Sabbath  School 
in  other  places  whither  they  have  gone,  and  this  is  an  encour- 
agement to  labor  in  faith  and  hope." 

While  we  deeply  sympathize  with  these  missionary  Churches, 
who,  doing  what  they  are  able  themselves,  are  discouraged  by 
the  want  of  a  more  cordial  co-operation  on  the  part  of  non- 
professing  neighbors,  we  would  remind  them  that  all  hearts  are 
in  the  hands  of  God,  and  he  can  turn  them  whithersoever  he 
will.  For  that  grace  let  him  be  inquired  of,  by  which  men  are 
taught  in  their  own  experience  the  value  of  the  Gospel,  and  are 
induced  cheerfully  and  liberally  to  aid  in  supporting  its  institu- 
tions. Even  if  the  hearts  of  those  already  in  the  possession  of 
earthly  treasures  should  not  be  enlarged,  when  the  reviving 
influence  of  God's  Spirit  is  imparted,  who  can  foretell  the 
amount  of  good,  that  will  hereafter  result  from  imbuing  the 
minds  of  the  young  with  the  spirit  of  Christ,  and  from  com- 
mencing in  them  the  habit  of  using  the  talents  committed  to 
their  stewardship  for  Him? 

But  are  not  some  Church  members  deficient  ?  Do  not  those, 
who  are  comparatively  "  in  deep  poverty,"  far  exceed,  in  some 
instances,  their  wealthier  brethren  "in  the  riches  of  their 
liberality  ?  "  If  the  principle  were  more  fully  adopted  by  the 
richer  members  of  our  Churches  of  giving  "  according  to  their 
ability,"  some  Churches  now  assisted  would  cease  applying  for 
aid,  and  the  ability  of  this  Missionary  Society  to  extend  its 
operations  would  be  greatly  increased. 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  45 

NKW  MISSIONARY  FIELDS. 
At  Kendairs  Mills,  m  Fairfield,  (in  connection  with  Benton,) 
several  Sabbaths  have  been  spent  by  the  Secretary  of  this  So- 
ciety, and  four  in  addition  by  Mr.  Wheeler,  a  licentiate  fror 
the  Seminary  at  Bangor.  In  this  flourishing  village  very  gooc 
attention  is  given  by  a  congregation,  quite  respectable  in  num 
ber  and  character,  to  the  preaching  of  the  word.  Should  the 
few  professing  Christians,  attached  to  our  denomination  in 
Fairfield,  make  a  vigorous  and  marked  effort  in  favor  of  the 
enterprize,  a  permanent  arrangement  may  be  made  for  supply- 
ing this  interesting  community,  in  union  with  our  Methodist 
brethren,  with  constant  evangelical  preaching.  A  few  miles 
distant,  in  the  town  of  Clinton,  is  another  village,  called  Hun- 
ter's Mills,  where  during  the  past  year  a  union  meeting  house 
has  been  erected,  and  the  use  of  the  pulpit  appropriated  for  one 
fourth  of  the  time  to  congregational  preaching.  Two  Sabbaths 
of  his  mission  were  spent  in  this  place  by  Mr.  Wheeler. — A 
two  months'  mission  was  given  in  November  last  to  the  Rev. 
Josiah  Tucker  at  a  settlement  in  Belgrade,  called  Chandler's 
Mills,  embracing  quite  a  number  of  families,  but  without  regu- 
lar preaching.  A  Sabbath  School  was  organized  there,  a  desire 
expressed  for  the  coming  of  a  missionary,  and  a  willingness  to 
contribute  for  his  support. — A  short  mission  has  recently  been 
given  to  the  town  of  Gouldsborough,  at  the  request  of  a  pious 
young  lady  who  having  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth 
in  another  place,  and  having  there  known  the  benefit  of  living 
in  constant  attendance  upon  Gospel  ordinances,  became  deeply 
anxious,  that  similar  privileges  might  be  enjoyed  by  herself  and 
others  at  home.  Our  missionary  was  favorably  received,  and 
an  earnest  desire  expressed  for  his  return. — The  Rev.  Mr.  Keep 
removed  the  last  winter  from  Burlington  to  the  plantation,  us- 
ually called  No.  eleven  in  the  upper  Aroostook,  where  in  the 
midst  of  spiritual  destitution  he  proposes  in  future  to  reside. 
Though  there  is  no  congregational  church  there,  and  a  popula- 
tion of  only  354,  yet  a  disposition  is  found  to  support  the  insti- 
tutions of  the  Gospel  beyond  what  exists  in  some  of  our  more 


46  MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 

populous  and  wealthy  settlements. — From  the  Isle  De  Haut  we 
learn,  that  the  cause  of  temperance  is  onward,  that  the  Sabbath 
School  is  promising,  and  though  there  are  no  singers  to  aid  in 
public  worship,  and  scarcely  any  one  to  help  in  conducting 
social  meetings,  and  during  the  summer  nearly  all  the  men  are 
at  sea ;  yet  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  is  there.  One  has  become 
decidedly  pious ;  two  or  three  others  are  indulging  a  trembling 
hope,  and  the  minds  of  several  others  are  seriously  affected. 

REVIVALS. 

For  several  months  past  the  friends  of  Zion  in  our  land 
have  had  frequent  occasion  to  rejoice  in  those  wonderful  works 
of  God's  power  and  grace,  by  which  Zion  is  enlarged  and 
strengthened.  Such  occasions  of  rejoicing  have  existed  in 
Maine ;  several  portions  of  our  missionary  field  have  been 
blessed. 

[For  facts  of  interest  at  Northfield,  North  Belfast,  Jackson 
and  Unity,  see  the  Tabular  View.] 

"  We  are  happy  to  have  the  privilege  of  stating,"  writes  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Goodrich  of  Dedham,  under  date  of  June  14th,  "  that 
God  has  been  with  us  by  his  Spirit  in  a  special  manner  since 
January  last.  The  work  has  been  characterized  by  stillness, 
sobriety  and  deep  thoughtfulness.  God  has  been  purifying  his 
people,  and  sinners,  we  trust,  have  been  born  into  His  kingdom. 
Nine  already  give  evidence  of  a  saving  change.  All  of  them, 
with  but  one  exception,  are  young  men.  From  15  to  20  more 
are  found  in  our  weekly  inquiring  meeting,  and  are  more  or 
less  awakened.  We  are  praying  for  and  expecting  a  blessing. 
Our  little  community  has  become  decidedly  religious.  Every 
body  goes  to  meeting  in  our  immediate  vicinity ;  and  every 
body  goes  to  the  Sabbath  School.  While  we  bless  God  for 
what  he  has  done,  we  find  the  large  number  of  55,  connected 
with  our  Sabbath  School,  still  impenitent.  But  we  labor  in 
hope,  that  they  also  may  be  brought  in." 

"  During  the  last  winter,"  says  the  Rev.  Mr.  Harris  of  North 
Bridgton,  "  our  discouragements  were  very  great.     Our  pros- 


MAINE  MISSIONABY  SOCIETY.  47 

pects  never  before  seemed  so  dark.  In  the  early  part  of  these 
were  some  indications  of  spiritual  life  in  the  church,  not  prev- 
iously witnessed,  and  of  serious  thoughtfulncss  in  some  of  the 
impenitent.  Meetings  were  appointed  for  prayer  and  preach- 
ing several  days  in  succession.  A  part  of  the  church  became 
deeply  interested.  Now  it  was  evident,  that  several  persons 
had  become  deeply  convinced  of  their  sinful,  perilous  condition. 
For  a  short  time  the  number  of  such  cases  increased  daily. 
Our  hope  is,  that  some  25  individuals  have  passed  from  death 
unto  life.  Several  young  men  connected  with  the  Academy, 
nearly  or  quite  fitted  for  college,  are  among  the  converts ;  some 
of  whom,  we  are  encouraged  to  believe,  will  enter  upon  a 
course  of  preparation  for  the  Gospel  ministry.  Our  meetings 
are  still  interesting  (June  14)  and  well  attended.  Pray  for  us 
that  we  may  not  grieve  the  Holy  Spirit." 

In  a  communication  from  the  Rev.  Richard  B.  Thurston  of 
Waterville,  under  date  of  the  9th  inst.,  is  the  following  state- 
ment. "  We  have  shared,  as  a  congregation,  in  the  work  of 
Divine  power  of  love,  which  we  believe  this  place  has  enjoyed. 
Religious  interest  commenced  among  the  Baptists  (developing 
itself  rapidly  and  powerfully  at  first  in  the  College),  and  during 
all  its  continuance,  the  current  has  set  strongly  to  their  meetings. 
Much  the  largest  number  of  conversions  has  occurred  among 
them.  Four  or  five  young  men  in  College,  two  other  young 
persons  also  from  out  of  town,  hope  that  they  have  passed 
from  death  unto  life,  are  in  Congregational  associations,  and 
while  here  have  attended  our  meetings.  Six  members  of  our 
Sabbath  School  have  received,  we  trust,  the  grace  of  God  not 
in  vain.  In  several  others  we  hope  for  fruit  unto  eternal  life. 
There  still  remain  persons,  of  whom  we  trust,  that  led  by  the 
Spirit  they  will  soon  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  In- 
cluding those,  whose  residence  and  profession  (if  made)  will  be 
elsewhere,  we  reckon  not  less  than  20  hopeful  conversions  ;  and 
in  view  of  the  present  somewhat  elevated  state  of  the  Church, 
and  the  interest  which  others  manifest,  we  cherish  the  expecta- 
tion, that  God  will   add  to   this  blessing,  though  on  the  other 


48  MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 

hand  we  are  conscious  of  so  much  evil,  that  we  fear  lest  we 
resist  and  grieve  the  Holy  Spirit.  Perhaps  half  the  conversions, 
that  have  occurred  in  the  place,  (amounting  as  is  supposed  to 
nearly  a  hundred)  are  of  persons  from  other  towns,  temporarily 
here ;  a  large  proportion  of  those  in  families  of  the  place  are 
young  persons,  who  may  be  expected  soon  to  leave  us ;  while 
with  a  few  happy  exceptions  those  of  mature  life  and  men  of 
business  and  influence  have  not  been  renewed." 

The  following  narrative  is  from  the  Rev.  Charles  Packard  of 
Harrison.  "  God  has  been  pleased  in  his  great  mercy  to  visit 
us  during  the  few  months  past  with  a  revival  of  his  work.  In 
the  latter  part  of  January  some  few  drops  of  mercy  descended 
in  the  hopeful  conversion  of  one,  and  the  awakening  of  one  or 
two  others.  During  the  former  part  of  the  Spring  there  were 
indications  that  God  was  moving  in  a  silent  manner  upon  the 
minds  of  some  of  our  youth.  In  these  circumstances  we  were 
induced  to  continue  the  meeting  on  Fast  day  through  several 
successive  days,  and  wait  on  God  by  his  appointed  means. 
Gradually  the  spirit  of  prayer  increased  among  his  own  people, 
and  an  increasing  interest  was  manifest  in  the  minds  of  sinners. 
The  truth  of  God  was  evidently  finding  its  way  to  the  con- 
science and  the  heart.  One  after  another  gave  evidence  of 
deep  conviction  of  sin  and  sought  deliverance  from  its  burden, 
but  found  none,  till  they  found  it  at  the  cross  of  Christ.  The 
work  progressed  silently,  yet  with  great  solemnity  and  power. 
There  was  no  excitement,  but  what  legitimately  results  from 
the  deep  conviction  of  eternal  realities.  Not  only  were  persons 
anxious  for  themselves,  but  a  general  solemnity  and  awe  seemed 
to  rest  upon  the  minds  of  the  community.  A  meeting  was  at 
length  appointed  for  inquirers,  which  was  continued,  the  num- 
ber attending  it  increasing  daily  from  10  to  40.  Meanwhile 
one  after  another  was  found  rejoicing  in  hope.  The  number 
of  conversions  continued  to  increase,  till  as  the  result  thus  far 
(June  8th)  of  the  work,  27  give  evidence  of  having  passed 
from  death  unto  life.  Nearly  all  of  these  are  young  persons, 
of  whom  the  most  are  children  of  the  Church,  and  nearly  all 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  49 

exert  a  commanding   influence  in  the  society  of  the  young. 
Great  and  marvelous  indeed  are  the  works  of  God.     He  speaks 
and  it  is  done.     We  feci  that  he  has  done  great  things  for  us, 
whereof  we  are  glad ;  and  while  he  has  wrought  among  us,  as 
a  sovereign  in  a  wonderful  manner,  to  Him  be  all  the  glory. — At 
no  previous  time,  since  my  connection  with  this  people,  have  I 
had  so  much  encouragement  to  labor  with  and  for  them,  as  at 
the  present.     When  I  came  here,  I  found  in  the  Church  much 
of  the  spirit,  alluded  to  by  Paul  in  the  3d  chapter  of  his  first 
epistle  to  the  Corinthians.     The  state  of  things  has  been  grad- 
ually improving,  but  not  before  has  there  prevailed  so  much  of 
Christian  love  and  harmony,  as  now.       The  conversion  and 
co-operation  of  so  large  a  portion  of  the  young  is  also  a  source 
of  encouragement  to  me,  as  well  as  to  the  Church.     Nearly  all 
of  those,  who  have  recently  indulged  a  hope,  belong  to  the 
village.     Of  this  number  17  united  with  the  Church  the  last 
Sabbath.     Others  of  them  will  probably  do  so  by  and    by. 
And  what  is  not  a  little  peculiar,  the  cases  of  hopeful  conversion 
are  nearly  all  confined  to  our  society,  though  Christians  of 
other  denominations  have  been  interested  in  the  work." 

STATE  OF  THE  TREASURY. 

At  the  last  annual  meeting  the  Society  was  reported  free 
from  debt,  and  a  balance  in  its  Treasury  of  $259.58.  The 
receipts  during  the  year,  exclusive  of  a  temporary  loan  of  $800 
paid,  and  then  renewed,  have  been  $12,637.98,  of  which  $10,- 
279.07  were  donations  from  various  sources,  and  $1250  the 
avails  of  legacies.  There  have  been  paid  from  the  Treasury 
(not  including  the  re-payment  of  the  loan)  $12,866.28;  and 
there  is  now  in  the  Treasury  (deducting  $550,  which  belongs 
to  the  permanent  fund)  a  balance  of  $461.51. 

The  amount  received  by  donations  during  the  year  has  ex- 
ceeded that  of  the  last  year  by  $1259.73 ;  a  fact,  which  taken 
in  connection  with  the  completion  during  the  year  of  a  sub- 
scription of  more  than  $30,000  for  the  Seminary  at  Bangor,  of 
which  a  third  part  has  been  already  paid,  affords  some  evidence 

of  Progress. 

5 


50  MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 

AMERICAN  HOME  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 

From  the  Report  of  May  last  we  learn,  that  the  whole 
number  of  Missionaries  in  the  country  at  large,  employed  by 
the  National  Society,  to  which  this  is  auxiliary,  during  the 
year  preceding,  was  1065,  in  1948  missionary  districts,  in  28 
States  and  Territories,  embracing  a  population  of  nearly  300,- 
000,  speaking  8  different  languages.  Among  the  results  re- 
ported are  the  erection  of  60  houses  of  worship,  the  organiza- 
tion of  45  new  Churches,  6820  persons  added  by  profession 
and  letter  to  the  Churches,  and  2643  hopeful  conversions.  The 
amount  of  receipts  gathered  in  from  all  parts  of  the  land,  was 
upwards  of  $160,000;  being  in  advance  of  the  year  preceding 
by  $9,122. 

Nearly  the  whole  amount,  credited  by  the  National  Society 
to  Maine,  has  been  exjjended  in  our  own  field.  And  who  can 
estimate  the  amount  of 

GOOD  EFFECTED. 
Says  one  of  our  missionaries,  speaking  in  behalf  of  the  flock, 
of  which  he  is  the  pastor,  "  We  shall  trust,  so  long  as  God 
sustains  the  Maine  Missionary  Society,  the  foster  mother  of  the 
feeble  Churches.  The  more  I  think  of  it,"  he  adds,  "  the  more 
I  wonder,  why  these  feeble  Churches  do  not  yearly  hold  a 
united  jubilee  of  thanksgiving  to  God  for  this  Institution." — 
Let  all  unite,  who  love  the  State  of  Maine,  and  desire  its  pros- 
perity, in  devout  and  fervent  thanksgiving  for  the  good  work, 
which  has  been  done  in  nurturing  and  strengthening  Christian 
Churches  in  the  midst  of  it.  Some  of  these  Churches  have 
arrived  at  a  self-supporting  manhood.  Others  are  striving  hard 
to  attain  it.  Others  we  fear  are  too  well  content  with  a  state 
of  dependence.  Now  it  is  well  for  the  child,  and  even  for  the 
invalid  adult,  to  receive  assistance,  while  really  unable  to 
provide  for  his  own  wants ;  but  not  afterward.  How  shall  he 
ever  reach  the  condition  of  a  perfect  man,  if  always  dependent  ? 
Let  the  strong  help  the  weak,  while  so  weak  as  to  need  help. 
But  when  by  any  practicable  effort  and  sacrifice  the  weak  can 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  £1 

dispense  with  the  aid  of  the  strong,  and  afford  help  to  others 
weaker  than  they,  then  they  do  themselves  an  injury  by  re- 
cciving  aid.  Not  in  this  way  will  a  vigorous,  growing  prosperity 
ever  be  secured.  When  a  Church  long  assisted  is  still  declining, 
and  there  is  no  reasonable  hope  of  saving  it  from  death,  the 
propriety  may  become  very  questionable  of  prolonging  a  sickly 
existence  by  aid,  which  might  be  imparted  to  those  that  would 
soon  be  able  to  sustain  themselves.     There  is  need,  however,  of 

LONG  PATIENCE. 
Some  causes  of  feebleness,  which  at  present  it  is  exceedingly 
difficult  to  remove,  may  not  always  operate  so  powerfully. 
One  of  these  causes,  a  missionary  who  has  felt  constrained  to 
abandon  his  field  of  labor,  thus  describes  :  "  If  I  had  only  a 
few,  who  could  be  relied  upon  for  efficient  aid,  who  had  really 
some  back-bone,  there  might  be  some  hope."  In  other  Churches, 
beside  that  with  which  he  was  connected,  the  back-bone  element 
is  wanting  ;  not  always  through  deficiency  of  either  intellect 
or  energy.  Sometimes  the  trouble  is,  "all  seek  their  own, 
not  the  things  that  are  Jesus  Christ's."  Is  this  evil  without  a 
remedy? — Another  cause  of  weakness  may  be  found  in  that 
sectarian  spirit,  which  prevents  those  who  are  one  in  Christ, 
from  giving  their  united  support  to  the  preaching  of  that 
Gospel  in  its  essential  points,  which  they  all  love.  Must  this 
evil  always  continue  ?  —  The  spirit  of  emigration,  which  is 
weakening  so  many  of  our  religious  societies,  may  not  always 
exert  so  disastrous  an  influence  as  at  present.  —  Another  evil 
complained  of  by  one  of  our  missionaries,  testifying  that  which 
he  had  seen,  is  u  the  blasting,  soul-destroying  influence  "  of 
heretical  doctrine  —  that  which  denies  a  future  retribution — 
"  destroying  the  benign  effects  of  truth,  and  raising  up  a  gen- 
eration of  people,  as  godless  as  the  heathen."  Facts  have 
shown  during  the  past  year,  that  these  strong  holds  are  not 
absolutely  impregnable.  —  Another  evil,  which  has  operated 
very  injuriously  is  the  use  of  intoxicating  drinks.  Some 
Churches  aided  by  this  society  (a  very  few)  have  not  entirely 


52  MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 

purged  away  this  "  old  leaven  ;  "  and  some  laborers  in  the  Lord's 
vineyard  have  encountered  from  this  source  serious  difficulty. 
But  the  very  general  testimony  is,  that  our  Churches  and 
congregations  are  free  from  this  great  evil,  and  that  in  most  of 
the  communities,  with  which  they  are  connected,  the  Maine 
Law  is  approved  and  executed.  In  some  instances  recently 
reported,  a  new  temperance  reform  seems  to  be  doing  the  work 
of  John  the  Baptist,  in  preparing  the  way  of  the  Lord. 

THE  END  NOT  YET. 
The  good  work,  in  which  for  forty-five  years  this  Missionary 
Society  has  been  engaged,  is  not  yet  done.  It  needs  to  be 
carried  on  more  vigorously.  Obstacles  should  incite  us  to  more 
ardent  zeal,  more  diligent  effort,  more  self-denying  liberality. 
The  law  of  Christ's  kingdom  is,  thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor 
as  thyself.  But  who  has  ceased  to  care  for  his  own  welfare, 
or  to  expend  thought,  time,  money,  labor,  in  promoting  it? 
What  parent  pleads,  that  because  he  has  already  thought, 
watched,  labored,  expended  so  much,  and  so  long,  for  the  good 
of  his  children,  he  ought  therefore  to  be  excused  from  anything 
more  ?  For  them  it  is  a  pleasure  still  to  give  and  to  labor. 
And  will  not  love  to  other  human  beings  operate  in  the  same 
way  ?  If  we  love  our  fellow-citizens,  if  we  love  our  brothers 
and  sisters  in  Christ,  shall  we  complain,  that  we  have  too  many 
opportunities  of  doing  them  good  ?  Does  genuine  benevolence 
ever  grow  weary  of  communicating  happiness  ?  Blessed  our- 
selves with  the  institutions  of  the  Gospel,  we  are  debtors  to 
those  who  are  passing  their  season  of  probation  without  them. 
This  debt,  while  the  poor  are  yet  with  us — (and  who  are  so 
poor,  as  those  who  have  not  the  Gospel) — let  us  account  it  our 
duty,  our  privilege,  still  owing,  still  to  pay.  And  may  the  God 
of  all  grace  accept  our  offerings,  and  render  them  conducive  to 
the  fulfillment  of  his  purposes,  the  glory  of  His  Name. 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY.  63 


ANNUAL    MEETING. 


/ 


The  forty-fifth  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Maine  Missionary 
Society  was  held  in  Searsport,  June  23,  1S52.  The  meeting 
was  opened  with  prayer  and  reading  of  the  Scriptures  by  the 
President.  The  Sermon  was  delivered  by  the  Rev.  Edward 
S.  Dwight  of  Saco,  for  which  thanks  were  voted,  and  a  copy 
was  requested  for  publication.  The  Report  of  the  Treasurer 
was  read  and  accepted.  The  Report  of  the  Trustees  was  read 
by  the  Secretary,  and  accepted.  Addresses  were  made  by  Rev. 
Stephen  H.  Hayes  of  Frankfort,  Rev.  Dr.  Pomroy  of  Boston, 
Secretary  of  the  American  Board,  Rev.  Dr.  Carruthers  of  Port- 
land, and  several  others. 

The  following  were  chosen,  as  officers  of  the  Society  for 
the  year  ensuing  : — 

PRESIDENT: 

Rev.  WILLIAM    T.   DWIGHT,   D.   D. 


VICE    PRESIDENT: 

Rev.   JOHN    W.   ELLIN G WOOD,  D.  D 


COR.    AND    REC.    SECRETARY: 

Rev.   BENJAMIN    TAPPAN,   D.   D. 


TREASURER: 

JOHN    HOW,  Esq. 


TRUSTEES: 


Rcv.  WILLIAM  T.  DWIGnT,  ex.  off. 
Rev.  DAVID  THURSTON. 
Rev.  BENJAMIN  TAPPAN. 
Rev.  JOHN  W.  ELLINGWOOD. 
Rev.  ENOCH  POND,  D.  D. 
Rev.  JOHN  W.  CHICKERING. 


Rev.  EDWARD  F.  CUTTER. 
Rev.  DAVID  SIIEPLEY. 
Rev.  STEPHEN  THURSTON. 
Rev.  ISAAC  ROGERS. 
JOHN  HOW,  Esq. 


AUDITORS  : 

WILLIAM  C.  MITCHELL.  |  WILLIAM  D.  LITTLE. 

5* 


54  MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 

The  revised  Constitution,  reported  the  last  year,  with  a 
resolution  in  favor  of  its  adoption,  was  taken  up,  and  having 
been  read,  and  amended,  was  adopted  by  a  vote  of  "  more  than 
two  thirds  of  the  members  present."  By  the  fifth  Article  of 
the  Constitution,  as  it  now  stands,  "  the  payment  of  two  dollars 
annually  into  the  treasury  of  the  Society,  constitutes  a  member 
of  the  Society,  and  the  payment  of  not  less  than  twenty  dol- 
lars constitutes  a  member  for  life." 

The  next  annual  meeting  of  the  Society  will  be  held  in 
Saco,  on  the  fourth  Wednesday  of  June,  1853. 

PREACHERS: 

Rev.  S.  H.  KEELER,  First.  |     Rev.  E.  F.  CUTTER,  Second, 


TREASURER'S   REPORT. 


Account    of    Receipts  and    Disfoirsements  by    John    How,    Treasurer    of    Maine 

Missionary  Society. 

Receipts. 

Balance  in  the  Treasury  at  the  annual  settlement,  June  23,  1851,  2.59  58 

Dividends  on  Bank  Stock,  Oct.  and  April, 232  50 

"         on  5  shares  Lewiston  Falls  Manf.  Co.  ...  30  00 

262  50 

Sale  of  house  and  land  in  Houlton,  given  to  the  Soc.  by  the  late 

Hon.  Wm.  Richardson,  .        .     ' 100  00 

Interest  on  notes  due  the  society, 33  00 

Note  of  L.  Varney  and  others  given  up, 550  00 

Interest  on  the  same, 33  33 

583  33 

Legacy  of  Rev.  John  P.  Foster,  late  of  Sweden,      .        .        .        .      50  00 

Fifth  installment  of  legacy  from  Hon.  Wm.  Richardson, late  of  Bath, 1,000  00 
Legacy  of  Jos.  Hayes,  late  of  North  Yarmouth,  .        .        .         100  00 

Legacy  of  Miss  Betsey  Trouant,  late  of  Brewer,     ....     100  00 

1,250  00 

Loan  of  Casco  Bank 800  00 

Less  interest, 16  40 

783  60 

Loan  of  Casco  Bank, 800  00 

Less  interest, 16  40 

783  60 

Amount  received  of  Rev.  Benj.  Tappan,  D.  D.,  for  supplying  pulpit 

in  sundry  places, 120  00 

For  annuities,  contributions,  life  memberships,  &c.,        ....       *10,299  07 

%  14,474  68 

*  In  this  amount  #20  are  included,  that  should  have  come  under  the  head  of 
dividends. 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


55 


Disbursements. 

Bad  bill  received  at  Yarmouth,. 1  00 

500  certificates  of  life  membership  and  expenses, 15  25 

W.  T.  Johnson's  Mil  for  printing  Annual  Report, 135  00 

Paid  for  distributing  the  Bame,           2  50 

Discount  paid  on  uncurrenl  money 60 

Interest  paid  on  renewal  of  note  at  Casco  Bank, 8  40 

Paid  for  large  trunk  for  books,  papers,  &c.,           2  50 

Note  paid  at  Casco  Bank,            800  00 

800  00 

Trustees'  orders  paid 11,394  06 

Postages  and  incidental  expenses,            i;»  ;,i; 

Commissions  on  receipts, 284  30 

Balance  in  the  Treasury, 1011  51 

g  14,474  68 
Portland,  June  21,  1S52. 

Errors  Excepted, 

JOHN  HOW,  Treasurer. 

Portland,  June  21,  1852. 
The  undersigned,  Auditors  appointed  by  the  Society,  have  examined  the  foregoing 
abstract  of  the  Treasurer's  accounts,  and  find  the  same  to  be  correctly  cast,  and  the 
balance  in  the  Treasury  ten  hundred  and  eleven  dollars  and  fifty-one  cents. 

Wm.  d.  LITTLE,  )  A    ... 

'  >  Auditors. 


DONATIONS 

From  June  25,  1851,  to  June  23,  1852. 


Aroostook  Conference. 
Burlington, — Coll.  eh.  and  soc,  10  00 

Houiton—CoU.  by  ladies,  12  25 

Lincoln — Coll.  ch.  and  society,  10  00 

Passadumkcag  and  How/and — Coll.,  10  00 
Aroostook  Conference — 5,  6,  11  00 


#53  25 

Cumberland. 
Auburn— Cont.  20,  L.  M.  10,  ana. 

and  don. 11,  41  00 

Brunswick— Coll.  43,  ann.  4,  47  00 

Cape  Elizabeth — Coll.   ch.  and  soc. 

10,  Fem.  Miss.  Soc.  8,  18  00 

Cumberland — Gent.    20  54,     ladies 

24  46,  Sew'g  Circle  22,  Sab.  Sch. 

5  45,  L.  M.  20,  92  45 

Durham — Cont.  7  77,  don.  2,  9  77 

Falmouth,  1st  Par.— Cont.,  14  00 

Frceport— Coll.  16  57,    Cent    Soc. 

7  80,  L.  M.  3-5,  don.  57  33,  116  70 

Gorham Lad.  Miss.  Sew'g  Circle 

3  L.  M.  60,  ann.  2,  62  00 

Gray— Coll.  ch.  and  soc.  2  L.  M.  40, 

don.  1  60,  41  60 


Harpswell— Coll.  ch.  and  soc,  10  00 

Lewiston  Falls— L.  M.  139,  other 
don.  142  99,  1-2  mon.  con.  52  91, 
Ladies'  Circle  37,  371  00 

Mechanic  Falls— Sab.  Sch.  1,  L.  M. 

20,  mon.  con.  7,  ann.  2,  don.  10,     39  00 
Mi  not— L.  M.  46,  ann.  10,  don.  9,       65  00 
"      IF— Mrs.  L.  Howard,  1  50 

2\'cw  Gloucester — Sew'g  Circle  2  1-2 
L.  M.  50,  Fem.  Miss.  Soc.  14  43, 
coll.  ch.  and  soc.  45,  Col.  Fox- 
crof  t2  L.  M.  40,  149  43 

V.  Yarmouth—  L.M.20,otherdon.  44,  64  00 
Poland—  Coll.  ch.  and  soc,  20  00 

Portland,  2d  Par.— Coll.  ch.  &  soc. 
261  50,  Miss.  Sew'g  Circle 
53  50,  L.  M.  35,       350  00 
"        3d  Par.— Coll.ch.  & 
soc.  135,  L.  M.  35, 
ann.  4,  Miss.  Sew. 
Cir.  5,  L.  M.  100,  274  00 
"       High-st.— Coll.    ch. 
and  soc,  253  25,  L. 
M.   100,    don.    25, 
M.  Sew.  Cir.  53  50,  431  75 

1055  75 


56 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


Pottmal— Coll.  57  78,  L.M.  10,  ann.  2, 
Saccarappa — Coll.  15  35,  don.  11  50, 
Scarborough— Coll.  26  67,  L.  M.  20, 

don.  5, 
Standish — Coll.  ch.  and  soc. 
Westbrook,    1st    Par. — Mrs.    Kath. 

Dole  1  L.  M., 
Windham — Coll.  ch.  and  soc, 
Yarmouth— Coll.  121  91,  L.  M.  75, 

ann.   2,  Newell  Soc.  3  L.  M.  55, 

Fern.  Cent.  Soc,  4  L.  M.  89  19, 
Cumberland  Cow/.— 29  70, 21 50, 


67  78 
26  85 

51  67 
20  00 

20  00 
14  18 


343  10 
51  20 


—  #2,814  98 
Franklin. 

Chesterville — Cont.  9  75,  ann.  2,  11  75 
Farmington — Fern.  Miss.  Soc.  20  52, 

L.  M.  20,  mon.  con.   32  45,  cont. 

22  40,  ann.  4,  don.  2,  101  37 

Farmington   Falls — Rev.    Alpha 

Morton,  6  00 

Fayette — Coll.  ch.  and  soc,  5  00 

Industry — Coll.  ch.  and  soc,  2  70 

New  Vineyard — Coll.  ch.  and 

society,  4,  5,  9  00 

Phillips — Coll.  ch.  and  society,  2  25 

Strong — Fern.  Miss.  Soc  for  L.  M. 

in  part,  8  15 

Temple — Fem.  Miss.   Soc.  6,   cont. 

3  38,  a  friend  for  L.  M.  in  part  5,  14  38 
Weld — Cont.  6  20,  mon.  con.  5, 

Fem.  Society  5  25,  16  45 

Wilton— Coll.   1107,   Fem.   Miss. 

Soc.  11  35,  ann.  4,  don.  2  50,  28  92 

Franklin  Conference,  14  64 

—  #219  61 
Hancock. 

Aurora  and  Amherst — Don.  for  L.M. 

in  part,  9  00 

Bluehill — Coll.  ch.  and  society  for 

L.  M.,  51  00 

Bucksport — Coll.   73  75,  mon.  con. 

62,  don.  9,  144  75 

Brooksville,  W. — Don.  of  two  gent.,  5  50 
Castine—L.  M.  55,  other  don.  18  69, 

mon.  con.  17,  90  69 

Deer  Isle — Female  Cent  Society,  15  00 
Eastbrook — Mrs.  Charlotte  Parsons,  3  00 
Ellsioorth—L.  M.  20,  coll.  ch.  and 

soc.  57,  Cir.  of  Industry  for  L.M.,  97  00 
Mount  Desert — don.  of  3  ladies,  12  00 

Orland — L.  M.  20,  coll.  ch.  and  so- 
ciety 10,  30  00 
Sullivan — Miss  Mary  Sargent,  for  L. 

M.  in  part,  10  00 

—  #467  94 
Kennebec. 

Augusta,  N— Coll.  8  42 

S.—L.  M.  120,  B.T. 
100,  mon.  con.  99  47,  ann.  4, 
coll.  and  don.  246  75,  Social 
Circle  25,  495  22 

503  64 


Gardiner — Coll.  ch.  and  soc,  51  52 

Hallowell — Fem.  Soc.  28  50,    mon. 

con.  45  69,  Mrs.  S.  E.   Bond  5  L. 

M.  100,  other  L.  M.  50,   ann.  2, 

coll.  and  don.,  98  40  334  59 

Litchfield — Fem.  Society  5,  ann.  4, 

don.  5,  14  00 

Pittston — Coll.  ch.  and  people,  11 50, 

L.  M.  in  part  10,  21  50 

Richmond— L.  M.  25,  don.  8,  33  00 

Sidney — Ch.  and  people  7,  don.  3,  10  00 
Vassalborough— Cont.  6  21,  4  22,  10  43 
Waterville— Coll.  in  ch.  and  soc.  for 

2  L.  M.,  40  00 

Winslow — Coll.  ch.  and  soc.  12  50, 

ann.  2,  don.  13,  27  50 

Winthrop— Fem.  Miss.  Soc.  14  62, 

cont.  36  58,  51  20 

Kennebec  Conference— 25  09,  5,  30  09 

—  #1,117  47 

Lincoln. 

Alna— Coll.  ch.  and  soc  17,  ann.  6,  23  00 
Bath,  Wi?iter-st.—G.  F.  Patten  125, 
J.  W.  Ellingwood,  50,  ann.  40, 
Fem.  Ben.  Soc  110,  Fem.  Cent. 
Soc.  37,  L.  M.  56,  coll.  and  don. 
73  07,  491  07 

Bath,  Central  Ch. — L.Hough- 
ton 50,  J.  Patten,  50.  L.  M. 
80,  other  ind.  26  50,  coll. 
16  61,  Fem.  Miss.  Soc.  20,   257  11 

748  18 

Boothbay,  N. — R.  "W.  Lawson,        1 
"     '      S.— Coll.  10,  ann.  2,     12 


Bremen — Coll., 

Bristol — Coll.  ch.  and  society, 

Edgecomb — Coll.  ch.  and  people, 

14,7, 
Lisbon — L.  M.  in  part  10,  don.  3, 
Newcastle,  (SheepscotJ — Coll.  ch. 

and  soc,  6  87 

"  (Damariscotta) — 2 

L.  M.  40,  ann.  10,  coll  and 
don.  83,  133  00 


13  00 
2  00 
5  37 

21  00 
13  00 


-139  87 
40  75 


Phipsbwg — Coll.  &  don.  for  L.M., 
Rockland—  Cont.  37,  L.  M.  by  La 

dies'  Sew.  Cir.,  20, 
Thomaston — Fem.  Miss.  Soc, 
Union — Coll.  ch.  and  soc, 
Waldoborough — L.  M.  by  Fem. Cent, 

20  50,  others  35,  ann.  30,  coll.  and 

don.  35,  120  50 

Warren — Ben.  Soc.  35,  cont.  16  20, 

ann.  2,  53  20 

Washington — From  sun.  individ.  3, 

Ladies'  Sew.  Cir.  10, 
Wiscasset — Fem.  Miss.  Soc,  16  37, 

cont.  and  don.  48  63, 
Woolwich — Rev.  J.  Sewall, 
Lincoln  Conference, 


5?  00 
15  42 
21  50 


13  00 

65  00 
2  00 
7  00 


#1,360  79 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


57 


Oxford. 
Andover — Ch.   and  soc,   11,   Fcm. 

Ben.  Soc,  10,  21  00 

.  1st  Par.— Lad.  Cent  Soc.  11, 

coll.  20,  don.  5,  36  00 

Dix  field— Cont  G  23,  don.  3,  9  23 

Norway — Coll.  ch.  and  soc.  20,don.5,  23  00 
Oxford— Coll.  4,  don.  5  50,  9  30 

Paris,   S.— Coll.   38  10,  L.   M.   10, 

don.  10,  58  10 

liumford — From  3  individ.  4  00 

Sumner  and  Hartford — Ch.  and  soc. 

26,  a  lady  3,  29  00 

Turner — Fern.  Ben.  Soc.  13  23,  Y'g 

La.  Miss.  Soc.  4  63,  don.  15  70,      33  58 
Oxford  Conference— -17  37,  18  59,       33  96 


Sangero  itte — C  oil. 
Seb'ec— Coll. 


7  26 
6  00 

#215  43 


#261  37 


Penobscot. 
Bangor,  1st  Par.—L.  M.  35,  Mrs.  E. 

L.  Crosbv,  50,  Sab.  Sch.  35,   coll. 

ch.  and  soc.  197  59,  317  59 

Bangor,  Ham.  St. — L.  M.  65, 

Sab.  Sch.  45  38,  coll.  ch.  & 

soc.  194  33,  304  71 

Bangor,  Centra!  Ch. — L.   M. 

30,  coll.  ch.  and  soc.  135  67 


Somerset. 

Anson,  S.— Ch.  3,  Fcm.  Cent  Soc.  8,  11  00 

Bingham — Coll.  ch.  and  soc,  6  00 
Bloomfield—Fem.   Cent  Soc.  5  18, 

Cont.  7  82,  13  00 

Canaan — S.  Wilshire  and  wife,  2  00 

Fairfield— From  3  individ.,  11  00 

Madison — Coll.  ch.  and  soc,  10  00 

Mercer—        "                "  5  34 

Xorridgewock— Cont.  19  20,  don.  8,  27  20 

Skowhegan — From  sundry  persons,  7  60 

Solon,  Village — Coll.  ch.  and  soc,  1  95 

"      South— Cont.  5  00 
iSt.  Albans — Coll.  ch.  and  people,  5, 

'     don.  1,  6  00 

Somerset  Conference— 12,  10  88,  22  88 


Brmcer,  W.— L.  M.  70,  coll.& 

don.  36  04,  106 

Breirer,  E. — Coll.  ch.  and  soc. 


-757  97 


for  L.  M., 
Brewer,  Village — For  L.  M. 
Breicer,  3d  Chi— Coll. 


22  30 
27  00 

11  42 


-166  76 


Dedham — Coll.  ch.  and  soc 
Dixmont — Ann.  4,  coll.  6, 
Eddington — From  3  individ. 
Hampden — L.  M.  40,  Fern.  Cent  Soc. 

18  12,  coll.  ch.  and  soc.  61  88,        120  00 
Levant — Coll.  ch.  and  soc.  12  61,  L. 

M.  8,  Union  Sew.  Cir.  5,  2-5  61 

Orono—Co\\.  ch.  and  soc  18  07 

Orrinyton — Coll.  ch.  &  soc.  for  L.M.,  35  00 
Plymouth— Coll.  4  00 


#128  97 


Union. 
Albany— Coll.  8  25,  ann.  2,  10  25 

Bridgton— Coll.  22,  L.  M.  20,  don.  3,  45  00 
"        JV.— Cong.  Soc.  coll.,  37  00 

Broitmfield — Cont.  2  83,  Fem.  Miss. 

Soc.  2  25,  5  08 

Denmark — From  2  individ.,  3  00 

Fryeburg—L.  M.  52  83,  don.  39  50,    92  33 
Harrison — Coll.  ch.  and  soc.   6  05, 

8  03, 
Hiram— Cont.  3  48,  don.  2, 


*45  50  \Lovell — Coll.  ch.  and  soc, 
10  00  '  - 
1  50 


14  08 
5  48 
9  00 


*#1,184  41 


Piscataquis. 
Abbot — From  a  few  individ. 
Atkinson — Cont. 
Blanchard — Coll.  ch.  and  soc.  for  L. 

M,  in  part, 
Bradford— Cont.  13,  L.  M.  in  pt.  10, 
Brownville — Cont.  21,  Fem.   Miss. 

Soc.  5  3-5, 
Dexter — Cont. 

Dover  and  Foxcroft— Coll.  38,  22, 
Garland — Coll.  ch.  and  soc. 
Motison — L.  M.  40,  Fem.  Char.  Soc. 

5  25,  cont.  7  42, 


3  00 
5  00 

11  00 
23  00 

26  35 

10  00 
60  00 

11  15 

52  67 


too  much  credited  by  mistake. 


Otisf.e!d—L.  M.  40,  ann.  2,  coll.  10, 

don.  4,  Ladies'  Assoc.  4,  60  00 

Sweden — Coll.  ch.  and  soc,  11  63 

Waterford—L.  M.  40,  don.  17,  Fem. 
Ben.  Soc.  23  50,  cont.  30  12,  La. 
Sewing  Circle  5,  115  62 

#408  47 


Waldo. 

Belfast — Coll.  ch.  and  soc,  85  00 

"     JV.— L.  M.  20  00 

Brooks — Mrs.  Issac  Roberts,  50 
Camden — Fem.  Miss.  Soc.  28  70,  L. 

M.  15,  cont.  21  36,  65  06 

Frankfort— Coll.  32  30,  don.  1,  33  30 

Mills— Coll.,  17  00 

Jackson — Coll.  ch.  and  soc,  15  00 

Prospect— Coll.  13  60,  don.  4,  17  60 

Searsport — La.  Sew.  Cir.  for  L.  M. 

20,  coll.  ch.  and  soc  65  50,  85  50 
Swanvi/le — Coll.  for  L.  M.  in  part,      12  00 

Thorndike—L.  M.  26,  coll.  8  50,  34  50 

Unity — Coll.  ch.  and  soc,  14  00 

Waldo  Conference,  13  37 


#412  83 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


50  00 

15  00 

7  50 

100  00 

33  00 


173  67 


57  11 

6  50 

9  43 

12  00 

15  70 

16  10 

62  99 

Washington-. 
Calais — Fern.  Miss.  Soc.  for  L.  M. 

20,  coll.  30, 
Cherryfield — Ch.  and  soc.  10,  5, 
Cooper— Coll.  ch.  and  peo.  2  50,  5, 
Dennysville— Coll.  40,  60, 
Eastport — Mon.  con.  in  Central  Con 

Society, 
Machias— Coll.  92  67,  don.  1,  L.  M 
by  La.  Miss.  Soc.  40,  by  oth 
ers  40, 
"      £.— Coll.  27  25,  27  31,  don 

2  55, 
"      jjort — Coll.  Cong.  Soc, 
Northfeld — Coll.  ch.  and  soc, 
Pembroke — Ch.  and  soc, 
Robbinston — Coll.  in  Cong.  Soc, 
Whiting— Coll.  5,  11  10, 
Washington  Conf.—bZ  93,  9  06, 


#559  00 

York. 
Acton— Coll.  ch.  and  soc.  for  L.  M.,  20  00 
Alfred— Coll.  ch.  and  soc.  9,  14  17,  23  17 
B\ddeford,  E.— Cong.  ch.  and  soc,  7  00 
IF.— T.  H.  Cole  2, 2  mem- 
bers of  Saco  church  43,  45  00 
Buxton — Cont.  5  12,  La.  Miss.  Soc. 

10  50,  L.  M.  by  ladies  20,  ann.  2,     37  62 
Elliot — Cong.  ch.  and  soc,  14  50 

Kennebunk — L.  M.  20,   sundry  indi- 
viduals 36,  56  00 
Kennebunkport,  1st  Par. — Coll.   ch. 

and  soc.  for  L.  M.,       20  05 
2d  Par.— L.M.40,  coll. 
ch.  and  soc.  47  35,  87  35 

Kittery-^—L.  M.  by  ch.  and  soc.   20, 

cont.  4  51,  24  51 

Lebanon — Coll.  ch.  and  soc,  41  25 

Limerick— Coll.  6  52,  don.  24  48,        31  00 
Limington — Semi-ann.  subscr.  10  35, 

don.  1  50,  11  85 

Newjield^-Ch.  and  soc.  11  70,  don.  3,  14  70 
Parsonsfield — Dea.  Samuel  Garland,    5  00 
Saco — L\  M.  by  Sew.  Cir.  20,  by  oth- 
ers 40,  Ben.  Soc.  4,  don.  35,  ann.  2, 101  00 
Sanford—2  L.  M.  by  coll.  in  Cong. 

Society,  41  50 

Shapleigh — Cont.  in  Cong,  ch.,  5  00 

South  Bericick — Cong.  ch.  and  soc,   30  00 
Wells,  1st  Par.—L.  M.  to  compl.  10, 

cont.  6,  16  00 

Wells,  2d  Par.— Coll.  10,  Mrs.  Han- 
nah Gooch  3  L.  M.  60,  70  00 
York,  1st  Par. — Coll.  ch.  and  soc.46, 

L.  M.  to  compl.  15,  61  00 

"      2d  Par.— Coll.  ch.  and  soc,        16  00 

York  Conference— 1 ,  17,  24  00 


Other   States. 

Masschusetts. 
Bostoti— Mrs.  Esther  Fuller,       7  00 
Mrs.  Amos  Lawrence,  5  00 
G.  G.  Wilder,  5  00 

Nath'l  Willis,  20  00 

Rev.  N.  Dole  &  wife,  20  00 

Byejield—Rex.  A.  P.  Chute,       3  00 
Mrs.  Esther  Chandler,2  00 

Charlestown — Rev.  B.  Tappan,  Jr., 
E.  Marshjield — Rev.  Sumner  Clark, 
Neioburypont — Wm.  Thurston    and 

wife, 
Salem— Mrs.  D.  T.  Frothingham, 
Worcester — Rev.  Seth  Sweetser, 


New  York. 
A  female  friend  of  missions, 
De  Witt— Mvs.  Emily  M.  S.   Pom- 
eroy, 


#803  50 


57  00 


5  00 
10  00 
10  00 

4  00 

20  00 
20  00 

8  00 
1  00 


Sandwich  Islands. 
Kohala,  Native   ch.,  of  which  Rev. 
E.  Bond,  Jr.,  is  pastor,  20  00 

#155  00 


Aroostook  Conference, 

53  25 

Cumberland         " 

2,814  98 

Franklin              " 

219  61 

Hancock              " 

467  94 

Kennebec             " 

1,117  47 

Lincoln                " 

1,360  79 

Oxford                  •' 

261  37 

Penobscot           " 

*1,184  41 

Piscataquis          " 

215  43 

Somerset              " 

128  97 

Union                   •' 

408  47 

Waldo 

412  83 

W  ashington        ' ' 

559  00 

York 

803  50 

Unknown, 

2  00 

Annual  Meeting  at  Yarmouth, 

114  05 

Donations  from  Massachusetts 

126  00 

"           from  New  York, 

9  00 

"          from  Sandwich  Islan 
Amount  of  Donations, 

ds,     20  00 

*10,279  07 

Legacies, 

1,250  00 

#11,529  08 

*#18  too  much — see  note  page  57. 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY, 


59 


£ifc   MtmbttB. 

CONSTITUTED   srcil   BUgCE   T1I1;    LAST    AN.MA[_    p—^-^. 


Blaine* 

Buck,  Deacon  Reuben, 
Lnrini,',  Rev.  Henry  S., 
Spaulding,  Mrs.  Mary, 
Bradbury,  Mrs.  Eliza  Ann, 
Hamlen,  Mrs.  Susan, 
Nason,  Miss  Elizabeth, 
Redington,  Henry  Williams, 
Stanwood,  Mrs.  Daniel  C, 
Allen,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  B.. 
Brown,  Edwin  Lee, 
"        "Walter,  jun., 
"         Miss  MarvE., 
Butterfield,  Horatio  Q., 
Downs,  Henry  S., 
Douglas,  Ebenezer,  jun., 
Haskins,  Deacon  Roruulus, 
Havward,  John  T.  R., 
Johnson,  T.  S., 
Little.  Mrs.  Sarah  E., 
Littlefield,  James  W., 
Pond,  Mrs.  Ann  M., 
Shepard,  Anne, 
Stackpole,  Mrs.  Sophia  G., 

"  Miss  Mar)-, 

Titcomb,  Mrs.  Rebecca  M., 
Vcazic,  Gen.  Samuel, 
Wheelwright,  Mrs.  Susan  A., 
Church,  Miss  Judith  P., 
Clapp,  Galen,  jun., 
Haley,  James  G., 
Lombard,  Mrs.  Thomas, 
Patten,  Miss  Pauline, 
Sewall,  Miss  Polly, 
Simpson,  Miss  Annie  Tallman 
Tallman,  Miss  Ellen  C, 
Trott,  Mrs.  Rachel 
Webb,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  P.  S., 
Whittlesey,  Rev.  Eliphalet, 
Woodman,  Mrs.  Hannah, 
Moore,  Charles, 
McDonald,  Moses, 
Parker,  Rev.  Leonard  S., 
Packard,  Deacon  E., 
Hinkley,  Nehemiah, 

"  Mrs.  Phcbe  P., 

Trouant,  Averv, 
Webb,  Mrs.  Sarah  T., 
Dyer,  Mrs.  Rachel, 
Eield,  Rev.  George  W., 
Gregg,  Mrs.  Clarissa  R., 
Holyoke,  Mrs.  Pricilla  S., 
Page,  Mrs.  Ann  Fessenden, 
Rouell,  Mrs.  Hannah, 
Skinner,  Mrs.  Caroline  S., 


Acton 

Amherst 

Anson, 

Aug  tata, 


Bangor 


Bath 


Belfast. 
Biddeford. 

Blanchard. 
BluehUl 

Bremen 

W.  Brewer 


Blake,  Mrs.  Charlotte, 
Sargent,  Daniel, 

Mis.  Susan  I\, 
Kilborn,  Charles  Otis, 
Ellis,  .Mr,.  Harriet, 
Jinks,  Mrs.  Eliza, 
Thomas,  Deacon  J., 
Adams,  Mrs.  Helen  M 
Stowc,  Mrs.  Harriet  Beecher, 
J  pham,  Mrs.  PhebeL., 
Bartlett,  Mrs.  Margaret  R 
Swan,  Francis, 
Adams,  S.  G., 
Hathaway,  Mrs.  Deborah, 
Jones,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  E., 
Dresser,  William  Adams,' 
Jams,  John  H., 
Little,  Miss  Frances  A., 
Blake,  Maurice  B., 
Blanchard,  Mrs.  Mary  Ann, 
Sweetser,  Mrs.  Elizabeth, 
Woodward,  Dea.  Thomas, 
Spofford,  Mrs.  Hannah  1'.', 
Colby,  Mrs.  Jane, 
Pcabody,  Leonard, 

"  George  A., 

Curtis,  Jacob,  jun., 
Perkins,  Dr.  John  W., 
Sampson,  David  F., 
Haley,  Mrs.  Olive, 
Coffin,  Miss  Sally, 
Conklin,  Rev.  Luther, 
"  Mrs.  Almira, 

Davis,  Mrs.  Eliza  M., 
Harrington,  Miss  Susan  L., 

Soule,  Mrs.  Susan, 

I  Bradley,  Robert, 

Harding,  Mrs.  Esther, 

Irish,  Mrs.  Louisa, 

'  McLellan,  Mrs.  Belinda, 

Young,  Nathaniel, 

Bond,  William  Mason, 

Getchell,  Mrs.  Alice  P., 

Masters,  George  E., 
"  Miss  Mary  L., 

Richardson,  Dr.  C, 

Curtis,  Mrs.  Rebecca  S., 

Kellogg,  Rev".  Elijah, 

Doyle,  Mrs.  Mary, 

Duncan,  Deacon  Charles, 

Tilton,  David  G., 
"        Samuel  N., 

Bradford,  Dr.  R., 

Clark,  Charles  Edward 

Little,  Mrs.  Fanny, 


E.  Brewer* 

lir,  ,r,  ,-  I  'ittage, 

Br  id g  ton. 

1'..  Tfrooksville, 

Btwmvtlle, 

Brunswick. 


Buxton. 

<  '< I luis. 

Camden. 


Castiue. 


Cumberland. 

Damariscotta. 

Dedham. 

Denmark. 

Eastport. 

Farmington. 

Fayette. 

Frankfurt. 

Freeport. 


FryebutyA. 

Uor/iam. 


Gray. 
Hallotoeil. 


ifnnjiden. 

BLarpsweU. 

Houfton. 

Kittery, 

Knox. 

Lciciston  Falls. 


60 


MAINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


Lisbon. 
Minot. 


Monmouth. 
Monson. 

Naj)les. 
Newcastle. 


Little,  Edward  A.,  Leiciston  Falls. 

Pickard,  Joseph  C, 
Berry,  Mrs.  Nancy  G., 
Brown,  Oliver  A., 

"        Mrs.  Ann  Susan, 
Freeman,  Deacon  Daniel, 
Hathaway,  Benj.  Tappan, 
Eveleth,  Mrs.  Betsey, 
Chute,  Abraham  W., 
Dodge,  Deacon  Thomas, 
Farley,  Mrs.  Mary  Wilder, 
Cobb,  Sylvanus,  New  Gloucester 

Field,  Daniel,  " 

Foxcroft,  Samuel,  " 

"  Mrs.  Abigail  C.  M.,  " 

Haskell,  Miss  Salome,  " 

Nelson,  Mrs.  Louisa  G., 
Stevens,  Mrs.  Mary  M., 
Strong,  Rev.  Harrison  W., 
George,  Deacon  Timothy, 
Lufkin,  Nathaniel, 
Anderson,  Samuel  P., 
Tewksbury,  Mrs.  Charlotte, 
Dyer,  Rev.  Francis, 
Shurtleff,  Deacon  Giles, 
Corser,  Miss  Octavia, 
Cummings,  Ralph  W., 
Dwight,  Miss  Elizabeth  B., 
Fosdick,  Miss  Lucretia  Green, 
Freeman,  Mrs.  Christiana, 
French,  Rev.  J.  R., 

"  Mrs.  Sophia  N., 

Goodenow,  Mrs.  Eliza  Q., 
Gould,  Samuel  C. 
Hayes,  Thomas  R., 
How,  William  C, 
Humphrey,  Miss  Hannah, 
Ingraham,  Mrs.  James  M., 
Richards,  Miss  Sophia, 
Thompson,  Mrs.  J.  M., 


Norway. 
Orrington. 

Otisfield. 

Oxford. 

S.  Paris. 

Portland. 


Tyler,  Samuel, 
Hagar,  George  Marshall, 
Tibbets,  A.  C, 
Codman,  Mrs.  Geo.  C, 
Cutts,  Mrs.  Susan  A., 
Dwight,  Rev.  Edward  S., 
Moody,  Miss  Rachel  B., 
Cole,  Mrs.  Sarah  H., 
Emery,  William, 
Libbey,  Samuel  F., 
Pottle,  Mrs.  Polly, 
Willey,  Rev.  B.  G., 
Scales,  Deacon  James, 
Reed,  Mrs.  Jane, 
Douglass,  Mrs.  Betsey, 

"         Miss  Harriet  E., 
Sawin,  Mrs.  Hannah, 
Russell,  Mrs.  Sally, 
Dole,  Miss  Catherine, 
Sawyer,  Mrs.  Sophia  M., 
Alden,  Rev.  Edmund  K., 
Blanchard,  Miss.  Olive  E., 
Chase,  Deacon  Thomas, 
Emerson,  Charles  0., 


Portland. 

Richmond. 

Rockland. 

Saccarappa. 

Saco. 


Sanford. 
ii 

Scarborough. 

Strong. 

Sumner. 

Temple. 

Waldoborough. 

Waterford. 


Weld. 
Westbrook. 
Winthrop. 
Yarmouth. 


York. 


Adams,  Mrs.  Mary  J.,  Illinois. 

Dana,  George  Nathan'l,  Brookline,  Mass. 
Davis,  Dr.  Benj.  G.,  San  Francisco. 

Eastman,  Mrs.  Mary,  Chatham,  N.  H. 
Gow,  James  B.,  Edgarton,  Mass. 

Grant,  Lemuel  P.,  Decatur,  Ga. 

Harriman,  Rev.  John,  Canterbury,  N.  H. 
Hill,  Rev.  James  J.,  Albany,  III. 

Nichols,  Rev.  C.  M.,  Barre,  Mass. 

Savage,  Daniel,  Andover,  Mass. 

Sprague,  Miss  Susan  K.,  Nantucket,  Mass. 
Tenney,  Deacon  Samuel,  Boston,  Mass. 
Trask,  William  P.,  Gloucester,  Mass. 

Willis,  Deacon  Nathan'l       Boston,  Mass. 


Errata  Corrected 

IN   LIST   OF  LIFE   MEMBERS   LAST  YEAR. 

Mrs.  Frances  B.  Clark,  instead  of  Mrs.  Pricilla  B.  Clark,  now  of 

East  Marshfield,  Mass. 
Mrs.  Eliza  Haines,  of  Biddeford,  by  her  nephew  William  P.  Haines,  instead  of  by 

her  husband. 
Alvin  Boody,  instead  of  Edwin  Boody,  of  Fryeburg. 


Errata  in  this  Phamphlet. 

In  the  last  column  p.  22,  against  Blanchard  for  5  cents  read  $5 ;  against  Bridgton, 
N.  instead  of  10  cents  read  #10. — P.  24,  against  Dexter  instead  of  20  cents  read  $20. 


BX7146.M2A7  1852 

A  teaching  ministry  the  conservators  of 

Princeton  Theological  Semmary-Speer  Library 


1    1012  00036  2139 


